When an object travels through the air faster than the speed of sound, it creates a sonic boom. This phenomenon occurs when an aircraft breaks the sound barrier, which is around 767 miles per hour at sea level. The boom is the sound energy that is produced as a result of the shock waves created by the aircraft moving faster than the speed of sound.

Sonic booms are often heard as a loud thunderclap or a sharp crack, and they can be startling to those on the ground. The intensity of the boom can vary depending on the size and speed of the aircraft, as well as atmospheric conditions. In some cases, sonic booms can even cause damage to buildings and structures.

One of the most famous aircraft to regularly produce sonic booms is the supersonic Concorde, which was in service from 1976 to 2003. The Concorde was capable of flying at speeds of up to Mach 2, or twice the speed of sound, resulting in a distinctive double boom when breaking the sound barrier.

Today, military aircraft such as fighter jets also frequently generate sonic booms during training exercises and combat missions. These booms can be heard for miles around, and are often a cause of concern for those living near military bases.

Overall, sonic booms are a fascinating and sometimes disruptive byproduct of high-speed flight. While they may be startling to hear, they are a natural consequence of breaking the sound barrier and pushing the limits of aerodynamics.

For more information on sonic booms and the science behind them, you can visit websites such as NASA or Air & Space Magazine. These resources can provide a deeper understanding of how sonic booms are created and the impact they have on both aircraft and the environment.

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