Supersonic Flight & Transonic Phenomena

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The article explains that objects approaching the speed of sound (approximately 760 mph) can cause unusual visual effects in the air.
  • It features compiled video footage demonstrating these phenomena with various high-speed aircraft like F-14s, F-18s, SR-71, and an Atlas Rocket launch.
  • AVweb consulted sources at NASA to research and understand the visual effects described.
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Original, Exclusive Videos from AVweb |Reader-Submitted & Viral Videos

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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