Cloud Quiz

[Andrew Khan]

First, you have to take into consideration if this photo, is in fact legitimate, or has attained some form of an abberation from an external source.

 

[John Diel]

Andrew,

The photo in question, is indeed legitimate. Having spent some time at a test facility and being able to view high performance aircraft doing their thing, I've seen this effect to varying degrees. At the time, it fell under the "Wow! That's cool as he**" category.

Of course when I saw a B-1 flying underneath the Huey one time, that fell into the "OMG I need clean my shorts!" category,

 

[Robert Dewey]

I LOVE aircrafts, airshows, etc.. I would absolutely love to see a jet break the sound barrier first hand.

 

[Greg Campbell]

I'm guessing that the condensation is occuring on the trailing edge of the shockwave. As it passes, the sw should produce a rarification wave and, in turn, a big pressure drop. This 'lifts' the humid air to dew point and <poof> instant cloud.


<Edit> Yes, the picture is real. Check out this cool video.

-Greg