Picture taken by NASA
NASA captured a sonic boom using Schlieren imaging. This photographic technique captures disruptions in hot air caused by sound waves. It highlights where air builds up most, where the image gets darkest. It also makes the jet trail more visible and shows the sonic boom’s falloff behind the jet.
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First Place: The uniformity of the shock lines and how the shocks are strecthed across the entire image is really cool. Another great detail is the clarity associated with each of the shocks in the image.
third prize, I like how this is a visual representation of what is sound in person. The waves amplify how intimidating this photo is.
Second Prize – The simplicity of this piece is was draws me to it. I’m a big fan of Schlieren imaging/optics in general, but this image being in grey-scale and the only features of note being the small collection of shock fronts allows the viewer to focus on the drama and grandeur of the sonic boom.
First Place – The plane’s tiny in the frame but your eye still goes right to it because of how the shock lines line up. Just a really solid combo of technical and cool looking.