The sonic boom from the October Starship launch measured up to 146 decibels in some areas. “That’s like being a few feet away from a gunshot without hearing protection,” Gee said.

The sonic boom, more distant, was a muted thump. “I wonder what our mics recorded at different locations, though,” Mr. Anderson said. “Did you feel how low-frequency the boom was?

The sonic boom from the October Starship launch measured up to 146 decibels in some areas. “That’s like being a few feet away from a gunshot without hearing protection,” Gee said.