This photo exemplifies both the artistic and scientific elements that can be captured with flow visualization. In this image, the aircraft’s afterburners make the otherwise invisible flow of hot exhaust visible as it expands and mixes with the surrounding atmosphere. The image does a great job of capturing both the incredible engineering that went into this aircraft and its beauty. The bright, turbulent exhaust contrasts against the dark aircraft and background, creating a sense of motion and energy even in a still image. I especially like the different colors and patterns within the exhaust plume, as well as the small circular structures that form as the exhaust expands and interacts with the surrounding air. These structures give a visual representation of the complex flow coming from the engines. The SR-71 itself adds to the image because of its unique design and the incredible speeds and conditions it was engineered to withstand, but the exhaust is what makes the image such a great example of flow visualization.

Credit: NASA Photo / Jim Ross