"As the rocket approaches the speed of sound, when the atmospheric conditions are right, a vapor cone will appear around the rocket.," Bailey said.

Many people think this effect happens when a plane breaks the sound barrier. However, at air shows, planes like the Blue Angels or the F-22 Raptor are often restricted to 700 mph for their highest ...

A vapor cone engages around a F35A as it flies during the 2025 Great Tennessee Air Show in Smyrna, Tenn., on Saturday, June 7, 2025. Brian Hogan for the Bowling Green Daily News The 2025 Great ...