Supersonic Flight & Transonic Phenomena

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The article discusses the unusual visual effects that occur when objects approach the speed of sound, making sound "almost visible."
  • It features compiled footage of various high-speed aircraft (F-14s, F-18s, SR-71) and an Atlas Rocket launch demonstrating these phenomena.
  • AVweb consulted sources at NASA to research and explain these visual effects.
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Sound travels at about 760 miles per hour, or 340 meters per second and about 661 knots on an average day at sea level. And sometimes, you can almost see it. Going close to that speed through air can cause some unusual visual effects. This compiled footage includes F-14s, standard and Blue Angels F-18s, plus the SR-71 and an Atlas Rocket launch. AVweb contacted sources at NASA to research the phenomena.

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