Residents in Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego woke up around midnight to three sharp, earthquake-like booms after a SpaceX launch. Phones lit up with panic. Common fears are property damage, broken windows and safety risks. This article explains the cause and the real risks.
It was terrifying. It was also normal.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Why did Southern California hear three loud booms after the SpaceX launch?
- A: The booms were sonic booms from the rocket’s reentry and booster landing, which travel as shock waves and can be heard hundreds of miles away.
- Q: Can SpaceX launch booms damage houses or break windows?
- A: No, sonic booms from SpaceX launches are typically loud but not strong enough to cause structural damage or break windows in homes.
- Q: Are the midnight booms dangerous to residents?
- A: They are startling and sound like an earthquake, but they pose no direct safety risk to people or property.