What is a sonic boom? On this explainer, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice explain how a sonic boom works. You’ll learn the definition of mach one. How does sound work? We talk about airplanes and the noise they make at different speeds. What happens to sould when you break the sound barrier? You’ll find out what a supersonic plane and the crack of a whip have in common. Why don’t we have commercial supersonic planes? All that, plus, discover what a “light boom” is and what it has to do with diamonds. About the prints that flank Neil in this video: “Black Swan” & “White Swan” limited edition serigraph prints by Coast Salish artist Jane Kwatleematt Marston. For more information about this artist and her work, visit Inuit Gallery of Vancouver. https://inuit.com/ Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: YouTube: null Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalkradio/ About StarTalk: Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up! #StarTalk #neildegrassetyson 0:00 - Introductions 0:35 - Airplanes 3:30 - Faster Than Sound 6:15 - Sonic Booms 7:05 - The Concorde 8:05 - Salisbury Cathedral 9:32 - Meteors 9:55 - Light Boom 11:27 - Closing Notes