Russia's attacks on Ukraine and the sonic boom in Poland. What is a sonic boom and how to respond?

Russia's attacks on Ukraine are intensifying. Putin's escalation of aggression has been visible in the last few weeks, including: in Vladimir Putin's concentration in the western part of Ukraine, as well as provocative activities in Poland, Moldova, Romania and the Baltic countries. This is confirmed by American intelligence data, as recently discussed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digitization Krzysztof Gawkowski and Deputy Head of the Ministry of Interior and Administration Czesław Mroczek on RMF FM. Due to Russian attacks, the Operational Command of the Armed Forces periodically informs about the pickup of Polish fighters.

This was also the case this morning, when it was reported that "military aviation operations have begun in Polish airspace to ensure safety during the Russian Federation's strikes using jet unmanned aerial vehicles against targets in the western part of Ukraine." There were many entries on social media from concerned residents of the Świętokrzyskie and Lublin voivodeships informing about the sounds of explosions. This is the so-called sonic boom.

What exactly is this phenomenon?

A sonic boom is a thunder-like noise heard by a person on the ground when an aircraft or other flying vehicle passes over the ground at supersonic speed.

It is not a single "explosion" that occurs exactly when the sound barrier is broken. An airplane flying supersonic constantly creates a system of shock waves: sudden changes in air pressure, temperature and density. These waves propagate in the atmosphere, usually in a characteristic cone behind the machine, and when they reach the observer they are perceived as a short, strong bang.

When in contact with objects moving at supersonic speeds, air behaves like a liquid. When an object moves, air particles are pushed sideways with great force, which leads to the creation of a shock wave - just like a boat creates a bow wave. The larger and heavier an aircraft is, the more air it displaces - explain experts from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA.

Instruction: What to do after hearing a loud bang during Russian attacks on Ukraine?

A loud bang does not necessarily mean an immediate threat. It may or may not have to be a sonic boom. During Russian attacks on Ukraine, military aircraft may operate in Polish airspace, and the services are monitoring the situation. The messages of the RCB, the army and local authorities are decisive. Here's what exactly you should do:

stay calm and do not go outside to look for the source of the noise,

move away from windows, glazing and balconies,

if you are outside the building, go to the nearest indoor facility; avoid open space, overpasses, power poles,

don't use the elevator,

check if you received an SMS with an RCB alert. What's next?

Follow only credible messages. What?

information from the Government Security Center - you will receive current RCB announcements in the form of SMS or can be found on the RCB profile on Facebook or X,

announcements from the police, the State Fire Service and the voivodeship office competent for the place of stay, as well as the Operational Command of the Armed Forces, are important,

follow the information of nationwide, reliable news portals, turn on the radio or television,

Don't rely on recordings from social media groups, unverified flight maps or entries suggesting an attack occurred - this may be intentional disinformation.

When to call 112?

Call 112 if you notice:

an object or debris that may have fallen from the air (but do not approach it)

fire, damage to the building or victims,

direct threat to life or health.

You can read below about what to do if you hear alarm sirens and about the contents of your evacuation backpack.