Sonic boom rocks the Magic Valley on Thursday night

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — Officials at Mountain Home Air Force Base have confirmed that training exercises are to blame for Thursday night’s boom heard across the Magic Valley.

Around 7 p.m., residents as far west as Hagerman and as far east as Rupert heard and felt a large boom.

The 366th Fighter Wing Aircraft conducted normal training operations in established airspace and reached supersonic speeds, according to the Air Force base.

College of Southern Idaho Observatory Coordinator Chris Anderson spoke about the science behind the phenomenon.

“A sonic boom is when an aircraft is traveling faster than the speed of sound,” Anderson said. “The speed of sound is the speed in which air molecules can move at their fastest. As the vehicle is plowing through this air, the air can’t get out of the way fast enough and that produces a huge compression of air.”

Anderson also explained why military aircraft perform exercises in remote areas.

“Military aircraft that are capable of going supersonic will typically avoid populated areas because a direct sonic boom can actually shatter windows, damage people’s ear drums, things like that.”

Air Force officials said they appreciate the support of the Twin Falls community and remain committed to ensuring flights have minimal disruption to the community.

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