Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 12, 2026

Continuous-Wave Propagation Channel-Sounding Measurement System - Testing, Verification, and Measurements
Published on: June 25, 2021
Falcon 9 ascent sonic boom measurements in Ventura County, California
Kent L Gee1, Makayle S Kellison1, Mark C Anderson1
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602, USA.
Abstract:
Reports of audible sonic booms along the south-central California coast during SpaceX Falcon 9 launch ascents prompted measurements in Ventura County during summer 2024. A total of 132 measurements were made over six launches, with 16-25 measurements per launch. The maximum overpressure measured was 1.90 psf (133 dB), but most measured booms had an overpressure below 0.5 psf and durations of several seconds. Two launches had appreciably lower overpressures and smaller terrestrial footprint, indicating that both meteorology and launch azimuth are important factors in terrestrial boom audibility. Agreement between this dataset and environmental assessment predictions was marginal.
Related Concept Videos
Shock Waves
When the source's speed approaches the speed of sound, constructive interference between successive wavefronts emitted by the source occurs immediately behind it. Initially, scientists believed that this constructive interference would result in such high...
Doppler Effect - II
Rocket Propulsion In Empty Space - II
Doppler Effect - I
Rocket Propulsion in Empty Space - I
Sound Intensity Level
The human ear can perceive an extensive range of sound intensity, necessitating the use of the logarithmic scale to define a physical quantity—the intensity level. It is a ratio of two intensities and...

