An odd experience I hope can be explained.

I had an interesting experience today that I can not yet rationally explain. I would like some feedback to help. I was walking out of a school building when I heard a strange sound. It was first a short low rumble, followed what I can best describe as high pressure air coming out of pressure line. The duration was less then ten seconds and when I looking up and all around trying to find the source of the noise I saw nothing. It did sound like it was coming from above, but there was low hanging clouds so could not see to high, over all it was a gloomy day. The sound then did repeat its self and I was again looking up to see if I could see anything, again I could not. I looked at other people exiting the building and confirmed that they heard the noise also. I can best describe what I heard as something be propelled by a rocket engine, and breaking wind of a very fast moving object. I just saw nothing to confirm this. I have seen rockets being used so that is why I can relate what I heard to something similar to a rocket.

I do hope some one can offer an explanation.

Lat and long are (30.007200, -95.379782)
Map

Houston Airport is right there within spitting distance. My guess is a jet taking off.

a reply to: schuyler

Yes the air port is right there. We hear jets taking off and landing all the time. I can assure you that was no jet air craft of any sort of prop plane.

I did consider that it might be a jet engine going through some sort of mechanical failure. At this time I have no information to confirm that theory.

Thank you for the post and your thoughts.

originally posted by: schuyler
Houston Airport is right there within spitting distance. My guess is a jet taking off.

Yep , most likely . Aircraft can sound really different in low cloud cover and fog .
But - just a guess ...

a reply to: Slakecontagia

OK the relative humidity and air density will make a difference to what something will sound like including a jet engine. However, I have been around air craft for almost 40 years. I could not relate this noise to any sort of air craft.

Thank you for posting and your thoughts.

If there are paper mills or power plants in the area it may have been a relief valve pressure test. Google, high pressure steam blow , and see if any of the vids sound similar . You can hear this for miles, and if your very close it can be kinda scary..lol

a reply to: chopperswolf


I will do that, thank you for the idea.
The only problem is there are no power plants or mills near by that might be opening a relief valve that I know of.
Thanks for the post.

Could you find an example of something to compare it with?

You said a rocket but I'm still really unclear on what sound exactly you heard.
Without actually hearing it myself I am very reluctant to even begin guessing.

a reply to: muzzleflash

Thanks for the advise and I did look up some videos.
The video of the SAM rocket I think is the closest to what I recall hearing.
The video of the steam blow the roar reminds me of what the sound was but sound more like a roar and not so much like something is breaking wind.

Rocket

steam

a reply to: RedGolem

Like a SAM?
Hmmm, could it have been an amateur model rocket?
There are some pretty powerful ones out there these days.

a reply to: RedGolem

You said :

"I was walking out of a school building when I heard a strange sound."

When I was a kid everyone set off their model rockets at the schoolyard.
We also did it in science class for a project once.

a reply to: muzzleflash

I do think that is a possibility. Again I saw nothing. I am also aware there are some model rockets out there that are way more powerful then I have come in contact with. I am also pretty sure it would not have been legal to launch them so close to the air port.

Good thoughts so thanks.

originally posted by: RedGolem
a reply to: Slakecontagia

OK the relative humidity and air density will make a difference to what something will sound like including a jet engine. However, I have been around air craft for almost 40 years. I could not relate this noise to any sort of air craft.

Thank you for posting and your thoughts.

As I said , only a guess ... you had solicited thoughts . You are the one who was there , and I defer to your judgment ,,,

Now , what was it ? I know you know you think you know .

Maybe check with school maintenance tomorrow. If a roof mounted air conditioning compressor/condenser unit exploded or suddenly lost pressure. That can make a hell of a noise.....from above.

a reply to: EdwardDrake

At this point in time that is the best idea I have heard will be my working theory. There are large heating and air conditioning units so when I have have a chance I will ask if they have blown a pressure valve from time to time.

Thanks for all the ideas and information.

I heard something similar driving home from work about 15 years ago. I was driving home at rush hour on 35w in Minneapolis, and there was what I can only describe as a concentrated group of hundreds of crows flying around making a spherical shape. The odd thing, was that I did not consider this at all strange until the next day!

a reply to: AshFan

You were driving so probably better to keep your attention to the road.
Thanks for sharing your experience though.

originally posted by: RedGolem
a reply to: AshFan

You were driving so probably better to keep your attention to the road.
Thanks for sharing your experience though.

I was stopped in a traffic jam, but I feel you.

The other day I heard a plane like rumble that was constant, but I only heard it while walking past a certain house. It stopped and started again.

a reply to: anotherside

I can see where that would get you attention. Thanks for offering your thoughts.
If I have the oppertunity I will ask about the relief valve theory, so untill I find something different I am happy with that idea being the answer to my question.