what is a sonic boom and why your wallet is about to feel the shockwave
Think a sonic boom is just a cool noise from fighter jets? Think again. This week, NASA’s X-59 Quiet Supersonic Technology plane is making headlines, but the real shockwave is about to hit your bank account. As companies race to bring commercial supersonic flights back—promising to cut a transatlantic flight from seven hours to just three—experts warn your wallet could take a hit from sky-high ticket prices. Early estimates suggest a one-way ticket could cost upwards of $5,000, a far cry from today’s budget airfare. But that’s not the only pocket pain: neighborhoods near test sites could see property values drop 15% due to noise pollution, and local businesses may suffer as tourists avoid the boom zones. So, what is a sonic boom? It's not just physics—it's a pricey reality check.