The Physics of Colliding with a Supersonic Jet: A Relativity and Safety Perspective

These are just slowed down questions that people curious about the speed of light and supersonic flight ask. Itrsquo;s all about relativity as Albert Einstein made clear. When you run at 2 mph into a plane that is flying just under the speed of sound (Mach 1), your speed relative to the plane is different from your speed relative to the earth, depending on the observer.

Relative Speed and Perception

You are moving at 2 mph relative to the plane but moving at Mach 1, or about 1 mph, relative to the earth, ignoring the actual definitions of Mach regarding pressure, temperature, etc. As Albert Einstein clearly demonstrated, itrsquo;s all about the observer. Each individual observer will see the situation from their own frame of reference.

I donrsquo;t recommend that action. While it wonrsquo;t bother the pilot, your family will be left with unanswered questions about where you went after you are virtually vaporized. It is always best to maintain a safe distance from such aircraft.

Understanding Mach and Supersonic Flight

Mach is a relative concept. It represents the speed of sound and varies depending on atmospheric pressure and temperature. Therefore, if you run from the back to the front of a plane flying just under Mach 1, you will be moving 2 mph faster than the plane relative to an outside observer. However, you will still be moving within the atmosphere of the aircraft, so you will not be personally exceeding the Mach number.

Consequences of Running into a Supersonic Jet

There are several things that will happen if you attempt such a risky action. For the sake of discussion, letrsquo;s assume you could do it. Here are a few key points:

You will die quickly. You will never know what hit you, and upon impact, you are likely to burst apart.

If you enjoy running, you will have died doing something you love albeit doing it slowly.

A huge mess will be left behind.

You will not hear a sonic boom before you perish. Assuming you were wondering if the additional 1 mph at which you are traveling would equate to Mach 1 and thus create a sonic boom, it will not. Even if it did, you would not be able to hear it because the boom emanates from behind the object causing it, radiating out in a cone-shaped wave.

Conclusion

Disclaimer: I am not a scientist, mathematician, pilot, airplane mechanic, or engineer. Therefore, everything stated here is purely speculative and should not be acted upon.

Running into a jet traveling at Mach 1 is not only a dangerous act but also one that could have severe consequences for both you and those around you. Itrsquo;s important to maintain a safe distance from aircraft and respect their capabilities and the environment in which they operate.