A TED-Ed Animation Explaining the Science of Sonic Booms

Educator Katerina Kaouri examines the science of sonic booms, and how scientists predict their potentially damaging effects, in an animated TED-Ed lecture.

Objects that fly faster than the speed of sound (like really fast planes) create a shock wave accompanied by a thunder-like noise: the sonic boom. These epic sounds can cause distress to people and animals and even damage nearby buildings.