Supersonic Flight & Transonic Phenomena

Editorial Staff

Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The article focuses on the unusual visual effects that occur when objects approach the speed of sound, approximately 760 miles per hour.
It features compiled video footage showcasing these phenomena with various high-speed aircraft (F-14s, F-18s, SR-71) and an Atlas Rocket.
AVweb researched the scientific basis of these visual effects by consulting sources at NASA.

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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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