Key Highlights
- A doorbell camera captured a sonic boom heard over Norwich in the skies of Norfolk and Suffolk.
- The Ministry of Defence has not confirmed any RAF Quick Reaction Alerts or Typhoon deployments in the area.
- Sonic booms are rare over land and only authorized under exceptional circumstances.
Doorbell Cam Captures Rare Sonic Boom
A fascinating incident captured on a local doorbell camera has brought to light the moment a sonic boom reverberated across skies above Norwich, as seen in Norfolk and Suffolk. This unexpected event, recorded by David Shenton while filming at Norwich Arts Centre, has sparked curiosity and discussion among residents and authorities alike.
Unexpected Sonic Boom
The video, which went viral on social media platforms, shows a sudden and intense sound that startled those nearby, mimicking the explosive qualities of an explosion. People described feeling buildings shake as they experienced this unusual phenomenon around 16:30 GMT on January 12.
Investigating the Boom
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has been contacted to investigate whether a military aircraft might have caused the sonic boom, given that supersonic flight over land is extremely rare and requires specific authorization. The MoD stated there had not been any RAF Quick Reaction Alerts issued in the area, nor had RAF Typhoons been deployed.
Meanwhile, the United States Air Force (USAF) has also been contacted for further information. Experts suggest that while military jets are a common cause of sonic booms, it is unusual to hear such events over populated areas without prior notice or clearance.
Understanding Sonic Booms
Sonic booms occur when an aircraft travels faster than the speed of sound, creating a shock wave that can be heard as a loud, thunderous noise. This phenomenon is more commonly associated with supersonic military jets and commercial airliners equipped with special technology to minimize the impact on the ground.
However, in this case, the lack of any reported flights by either RAF or USAF raises questions about what might have caused the disturbance. The rarity of such events over land underscores the importance of proper authorization and communication processes within military operations.
The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of supersonic flight and highlights the ongoing challenges in managing and regulating sonic booms, especially when they occur unexpectedly in densely populated regions.