When a jet breaks the sound sound barrier, does it cause a visible ripple in the atmosphere?

Question

like in movies? (Yes, I know that movies do not always portray reality)

Answer 1

no

Answer 2

http://www.wilk4.com/misc/soundbreak.htm

Answer 3

Yes you can, I've seen many of our jets break the sound barrier out to see when they buzz the boat.  It will look just like on tv.  Here let me post a like for you to see too.  By the way, I'm an Aviation Machinist Mate in the Navy

Answer 4

you cant see sound

Answer 5

It always makes a weird cloudish cone shape around the middle of the plane. Look it up on youtube.

Answer 6

The speed of sound is not a barrier.

But the wave can be visible on a vegetated surface if the plane is flying low.  It gives away the location of the aircraft.

Answer 7

what you might see is a bow wave reflection?...if the sun is out and a jet passes through a moisture laden cloud!...not sure about high attitude though...

Answer 8

It would depend on the atmospheric pressure at the time the jet crosses, or "breaks", the speed of sound. High moisture content in the atmosphere would produce a conelike shape around the surface of the aircraft with its apex generally located in front of the wings. It looks nothing like a ripple though.

Answer 9

Can you see sound?  Why would it cause a ripple then?

Answer 10

it all depends on the humidity of the air.  If the air is very moist and the conditions are favourable then, yes it can cause a 'ripple'.  Although the ripple is not a ripple of the atmosphere but a cloud that forms at transonic speeds.