Interactions between sound waves can produce regions where the waves are either enhanced or eliminated. Such effects are a major area of study in connection with sonic booms from supersonic aircraft. Wave interactions can lead to amplification so strong a sonic boom can produce damage on the ground, such as broken windows.
People across town heard a window-rattling sonic boom from the February 19 fireball here, but we heard nothing. Why?
Dan Baum, Pendleton, Oregon
