Notorious LJo asked:


I was out waiting for Space shuttle Atlantis to pass over my work today when we heard the sonic boom, the news said they heard it from San Diego to LA. If it is that loud on ground, how loud is it when you are in the aircraft that does it? If you have been in a military aircraft or other sound breaking barrier machinary, what happens? Does the aircraft move wierd when it happens or what?

suprsalzladee asked:


As I drive east on the highway in Oklahoma I notice aircraft that fly vertically. And I mean Vertically. Straight up. They also go east to west. West to east. Every direction. They look as though they are skywriters but do nothing. A long stream of smoke follows this little dot (aircraft). What in the world is that?
Also, there might be 5 or 6 at a time (in the sky) flying in different directions.
By the way, I know they are aircraft – It seems odd to see them flying in the manner that they fly and with so many in the sky at one time. I used to date a pilot and I also worked at a aircraft maintenance facility.
It just looks so odd driving down the highway. I just wonder what purpose they serve.

Thanks to everybody who have replied for the purpose of educating me.