US Air Force: California residents could hear sonic booms this weekend

People living and located in central California this weekend may be brief, but the US Air Force says not to panic. Sonic dams can be heard in the area following a planned space test that will involve the launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The event will take place on Saturday, October 6th.

According to announcements from Vandenberg Air Force, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the SAOCOM 1A satellite from Space Launch Complex-4E this Saturday, October 6th. The launch is currently scheduled at 19:21 local time.

The US Air Force claims that SpaceX will attempt to land Falcon 9 on Landing Zone 4, formerly known as SLC-4W, at Vandenberg Air Force Base. This is the first time the private space company has attempted to land at this AFB.

Residents near Vandenberg Air Base may have the chance to see the first leg on his return; Officials say the show could include several burned engines. All residents of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties can hear sonic booms resulting from the return. This is the type of shock wave commonly associated with some aircraft.

The AFB explains that various factors, including weather conditions, will affect the sonic boom. Assuming the noise reaches the residents, it will probably look like thunder or maybe an explosion.

SOURCE: Vandenberg Air Base