How Far Can Sky Sounds Really Travel?

Introduction

Some of the most dramatic sounds linked to unusual aerial events are never heard by human ears at all. Powerful meteor airbursts, high-altitude explosions and other energetic disturbances can generate infrasound: extremely low-frequency pressure waves that travel through the atmosphere over vast distances. Modern monitoring networks were built largely to detect atmospheric nuclear tests, yet they routinely record meteors, volcanic eruptions and other sky events thousands of kilometres from their source. For investigations involving reported UFO noises, this matters because a distant aerial explosion can leave a measurable acoustic trace even when witnesses hear little, hear only a delayed boom, or report unusual vibrations rather than conventional sound. The result is a rare form of evidence that can be compared across continents instead of relying solely on local testimony. [CTBTO]ctbto.orgCTBTOThe International Monitoring SystemEighty radionuclide stations to detect radioactive particles or gases from atmospheric explosions… [CTBTO]ctbto.orgOpen source on ctbto.org.

How Far Can Sky Sounds Really Travel?

The extraordinary reach of infrasound comes from its frequency. Higher-frequency sounds are absorbed and scattered relatively quickly by the atmosphere. Very low-frequency waves, by contrast, can travel through atmospheric layers that act like giant waveguides, allowing energy to propagate far beyond the horizon.

In practical terms, this means a sufficiently energetic atmospheric event can be detected at distances measured in thousands rather than tens of kilometres. Atmospheric winds, temperature gradients and pressure layers can bend and channel the waves, sometimes allowing them to circle large portions of the globe. Researchers often compare the process to how certain radio frequencies can be guided over long distances by the upper atmosphere, although the physical mechanisms are different. [National Academies]nationalacademies.orgNational AcademiesChapter: Appendix F: InfrasonicsLarger atmospheric nuclear explosions were easily heard at ranges in excess of 10,000 k… [National]nationalacademies.orgNational AcademiesChapter: Appendix F: InfrasonicsLarger atmospheric nuclear explosions were easily heard at ranges in excess of 10,000 k…

The main international system designed to exploit this property is the International Monitoring System operated for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Its infrasound component consists of dozens of stations distributed around the world, continuously listening for ultra-low-frequency atmospheric disturbances. Although the network’s primary mission is nuclear-test verification, its sensors also record natural events that release large amounts of energy into the atmosphere. [CTBTO]conferences.ctbto.orgCTBTO Conferences and Workshops (Indico)CTBT: Science and Technology Conference 2025 - SnT2025Explosive volcanic eruptions produce large… [CTBTO]ctbto.orgCTBTOCivil and Scientific ApplicationsIMS data can also help to cast light on plane crashes and other major accidents: infrasound station…

Why distant detection matters for aerial mysteries

When witnesses report an unexplained flash, a sudden sky boom or an apparent explosion, the local sound alone may be misleading. Audible sound depends heavily on distance, terrain and weather conditions. Infrasound offers a different record:

That does not identify the object responsible, but it can establish that a significant atmospheric event occurred and roughly how powerful it was.

Meteor Blasts Show the Real Reach of Infrasound

Meteor airbursts provide some of the clearest demonstrations of global-scale acoustic detection because they generate intense atmospheric shock waves while remaining relatively well understood scientifically.

The most famous example is the Chelyabinsk meteor, which exploded over Russia on 15 February 2013. The event shattered windows across a wide area and injured more than a thousand people, largely through blast effects rather than direct impact. What made it especially important for infrasound research was the scale of its acoustic signature. CTBTO stations around the world recorded the event, making it the largest meteor-related infrasound detection in the network’s history at that time. CTBTO [AGU Publications]agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.comAGU PublicationsThe 2013 Russian fireball largest ever detected by CTBTO…by A Le Pichon · 2013 · Cited by 183 — One of the most energe…

The blast was detected by around twenty infrasound stations, and the most distant confirmed detection came from Antarctica, roughly 15,000 kilometres away. Researchers used those signals to estimate the energy of the airburst and to study how low-frequency waves propagated through the atmosphere on a global scale. [CTBTO]ctbto.orgCTBTORussian Fireball Largest Ever Detected by CTBTO's…Feb 18, 2013 — The blast was detected by 20 infrasound stations in the CTBTO's… [OSTI]osti.govIt is the most energetic…Read mor…

What scientists learned from Chelyabinsk

Chelyabinsk demonstrated several points directly relevant to unusual aerial-event investigations:

• A brief atmospheric explosion can produce detectable signals across continents.
• Multiple stations can independently confirm an event.
• Infrasound can reveal energy release even when visual observations are incomplete.
• Atmospheric propagation is complex enough that signals may arrive along unexpected paths. [AGU Publications]agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.comAGU PublicationsThe 2013 Russian fireball largest ever detected by CTBTO…by A Le Pichon · 2013 · Cited by 183 — One of the most energe… [OSTI]osti.govThe utility of infrasound towards detection and…by EA Silber · 2024 — The Tajikistan bolide was detected by two infrasound stations of…

Researchers continue to use meteor detections as test cases for refining global monitoring methods. Studies of bolides, the exceptionally bright meteors that often explode in the atmosphere, show that infrasound can detect events ranging from relatively modest airbursts to extremely energetic fragmentation episodes. Some detections have been made more than 2,000 kilometres from the source, while larger events can be tracked much farther away. [A&A Online]aanda.orgaa41106 21A&A OnlineInfrasound signals of fireballs detected by the…by T Ott · 2021 · Cited by 13 — The smallest meteoroid recorded by infrasoun… [OSTI]osti.govIt is the most energetic…Read mor…

How Infrasound Networks Reconstruct an Explosion

A single station can detect an unusual pressure wave, but a network provides much more information.

Each monitoring site typically uses an array of sensors spread across an area rather than a lone microphone. By comparing the tiny differences in arrival times between sensors, analysts can estimate the direction from which the wave approached. When multiple stations detect the same event, those directional estimates can be combined to infer a likely source region. [ScienceDirect]sciencedirect.comScienceDirectInfrasound detection of meteorsby MN ElGabry · 2017 · Cited by 29 — Sound waves in the atmosphere become audible to humans i…

Scientists also examine:

These measurements can help distinguish a compact explosion from a longer atmospheric track such as a meteor travelling through the atmosphere before breaking apart.

One complication is that atmospheric conditions strongly affect propagation. Winds and temperature structures can alter both the apparent direction and the frequency content of a signal. Recent studies show that atmospheric filtering can change how an event appears at different locations, meaning the recorded signature is partly a product of the atmosphere itself, not just the source. [arXiv]arxiv.orgarXivObservational Evidence for Wind-Driven Low-Pass Filtering of Infrasound at Short RangeJanuary 31, 2026…Published: January 31, 2026

What Infrasound Can Identify — and What It Cannot

For readers interested in UFO-related noises, the most important point is that infrasound is excellent at detecting energetic events but much less reliable at identifying their exact cause.

A strong infrasonic signal can indicate that something released substantial energy into the atmosphere. It may reveal:

• Approximate location.
• Time of occurrence.
• Relative size of the disturbance.
• Whether the source behaved more like a blast or an extended track. [MDPI]mdpi.comMDPIGlobal Monitoring and Characterization of Infrasound…by C Pilger · 2020 · Cited by 38 — This study aims at investigating meteoroid… ScienceDirect What it usually cannot do on its own is answer the question everyone wants answered: what was the object [sciencedirect.com]sciencedirect.comScienceDirectInfrasound detection of meteorsby MN ElGabry · 2017 · Cited by 29 — Sound waves in the atmosphere become audible to humans i…

A meteor airburst, a large explosion, a volcanic eruption, a rocket re-entry and other energetic atmospheric phenomena can all generate low-frequency acoustic signatures. Additional evidence such as optical observations, radar data, satellite detections or recovered debris is normally required for confident identification. CTBTO [NASA Science]science.nasa.govlooking for lightning finding fireballs 149381NASA ScienceLooking for Lightning, Finding Fireballs27 Jan 2022 — Stereo detection allows researchers to reconstruct the trajectories of…

Why a mysterious boom is not necessarily a mysterious object

This distinction is especially important in discussions of unexplained aerial reports. A witness may experience:

Infrasound networks can often confirm whether a significant atmospheric disturbance occurred. However, confirmation of an acoustic event is not confirmation of an exotic craft. In many cases, later investigation links the signal to meteors, atmospheric explosions, rocket debris re-entry or other known causes. CTBTO [Amusing Planet]amusingplanet.comSecret Nuclear TestsDec 29, 2016 — On February 15, 2013, the CTBTO's infrasound monitoring stations detected signals made by a meteor tha…Published: February 15, 2013

The Quiet Value of Global Acoustic Listening

The most significant contribution of infrasound monitoring to aerial-phenomena research is not that it solves mysteries automatically. Its value is that it creates an independent physical record.

Human reports can be distorted by distance, timing, memory and expectation. Infrasound stations record pressure changes whether anyone is watching the sky or not. When a dramatic aerial event occurs, researchers can compare witness accounts against sensor data gathered hundreds or thousands of kilometres away.

For large atmospheric disturbances, the technology has already proven its reach. The same global network built to detect nuclear explosions has repeatedly shown that meteor airbursts and other energetic sky events can leave acoustic fingerprints detectable across continents. In investigations of unusual aerial noises, that capability transforms some otherwise fleeting reports into measurable evidence. [CTBTO]ctbto.orgbeyond nuclear test detection ctbto and hunga tonga hunga haapai eruptionBeyond nuclear test detection: CTBTO and Hunga Tonga-…Jun 24, 2024 — In comparison, the scale of this event dwarfed even the record-br… [CTBTO]ctbto.orghat had entered the atmosphere and disintegrated in the skies over…Read more…

Amazon book picks

Further Reading

Books and field guides related to How Far Can Sky Sounds Really Travel?. Use these as the next step if you want deeper reading beyond the article.

Book

Infrasound Monitoring for Atmospheric Studies

By Alexis Le Pichon, Elisabeth Blanc et al.

Directly addresses how low-frequency atmospheric signals travel and are recorded.

See on Amazon

Book

Fundamentals of Acoustics

By Lawrence E. Kinsler, Austin R. Frey et al.

Explains wave propagation and frequency behavior.

See on Amazon

Book

Rain Of Iron And Ice

By John S. Lewis

Relevant to meteor-generated shock waves and long-range effects.

See on Amazon

Book

Introduction to Sound

By Charles E. Speaks

Provides context on audible versus inaudible frequencies.

See on Amazon

Browse more on Amazon: Infrasound Monitoring for Atmospheric Studies Fundamentals of Acoustics Rain Of Iron And Ice

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Endnotes

1. Source: ctbto.org
   Link: https://www.ctbto.org/our-work/international-monitoring-system
   Source snippet

   CTBTOThe International Monitoring SystemEighty radionuclide stations to detect radioactive particles or gases from atmospheric explosions...

2. Source: ctbto.org
   Link: https://www.ctbto.org/our-work/monitoring-technologies/infrasound-monitoring

3. Source: conferences.ctbto.org
   Link: https://conferences.ctbto.org/event/30/contributions/
   Source snippet

   CTBTO Conferences and Workshops (Indico)CTBT: Science and Technology Conference 2025 - SnT2025Explosive volcanic eruptions produce large...

4. Source: sciencedirect.com
   Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S209099771630075X
   Source snippet

   ScienceDirectInfrasound detection of meteorsby MN ElGabry · 2017 · Cited by 29 — Sound waves in the atmosphere become audible to humans i...

5. Source: mdpi.com
   Link: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4433/11/1/83
   Source snippet

   MDPIGlobal Monitoring and Characterization of Infrasound...by C Pilger · 2020 · Cited by 38 — This study aims at investigating meteoroid...

6. Source: ctbto.org
   Link: https://www.ctbto.org/our-work/civil-and-scientific-applications
   Source snippet

   CTBTOCivil and Scientific ApplicationsIMS data can also help to cast light on plane crashes and other major accidents: infrasound station...

7. Source: ctbto.org
   Link: https://www.ctbto.org/resources/for-the-media/press-releases/russian-fireball-largest-ever-detected-ctbtos-infrasound
   Source snippet

   CTBTORussian Fireball Largest Ever Detected by CTBTO's...Feb 18, 2013 — The blast was detected by 20 infrasound stations in the CTBTO's...

8. Source: osti.gov
   Link: https://www.osti.gov/pages/biblio/1367155
   Source snippet

   It is the most energetic...Read mor...

9. Source: osti.gov
   Link: https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/2540390
   Source snippet

   The utility of infrasound towards detection and...by EA Silber · 2024 — The Tajikistan bolide was detected by two infrasound stations of...

10. Source: arxiv.org
    Link: https://arxiv.org/abs/2602.00421
    Source snippet

    arXivObservational Evidence for Wind-Driven Low-Pass Filtering of Infrasound at Short RangeJanuary 31, 2026...

    Published: January 31, 2026

11. Source: arxiv.org
    Link: https://arxiv.org/abs/2503.13972

12. Source: science.nasa.gov
    Title: looking for lightning finding fireballs 149381
    Link: https://science.nasa.gov/earth/earth-observatory/looking-for-lightning-finding-fireballs-149381/
    Source snippet

    NASA ScienceLooking for Lightning, Finding Fireballs27 Jan 2022 — Stereo detection allows researchers to reconstruct the trajectories of...

13. Source: ctbto.org
    Title: beyond nuclear test detection ctbto and hunga tonga hunga haapai eruption
    Link: https://www.ctbto.org/news-and-events/news/beyond-nuclear-test-detection-ctbto-and-hunga-tonga-hunga-haapai-eruption
    Source snippet

    Beyond nuclear test detection: CTBTO and Hunga Tonga-...Jun 24, 2024 — In comparison, the scale of this event dwarfed even the record-br...

14. Source: ctbto.org
    Link: https://www.ctbto.org/resources/for-the-media/press-releases/nothing-escapes-global-ear-nuclear-tests-volcanoes
    Source snippet

    hat had entered the atmosphere and disintegrated in the skies over...Read more...

15. Source: ctbto.org
    Link: https://www.ctbto.org/
    Source snippet

    CTBTO: HomepageJoin CTBTO on our mission to create a world free of nuclear testing. Learn more about employment and business opportunitie...

16. Source: ctbto.org
    Link: https://www.ctbto.org/our-work/monitoring-technologies/radionuclide-monitoring
    Source snippet

    Radionuclide monitoringExposed to prevailing winds, they are dispersed in the atmosphere and may, after a certain period of time, be dete...

17. Source: ctbto.org
    Link: https://www.ctbto.org/news-and-events/news/ctbto-infrasound-stations-detect-russian-meteorite-blast
    Source snippet

    CTBTO Infrasound Stations Detect Russian Meteorite BlastThe low frequency sound waves from the blast were detected at 03:22 GMT by the ne...

18. Source: ctbto.org
    Link: https://www.ctbto.org/sites/default/files/2022-08/science_for_security.pdf
    Source snippet

    SCIENCE FOR SECURITYInfrasound monitoring is an important technology for detecting and locating nuclear explosions in the atmosphere beca...

19. Source: ctbto.org
    Link: https://www.ctbto.org/news-and-events/news/fact-sheet-tremendous-progress-build-ctbts-verification-regime
    Source snippet

    22 stations picked up the North Korean nuclear test, some thousands of kilometres...Read more...

20. Source: ctbto.org
    Link: https://www.ctbto.org/news-and-events/news/diplomats-visit-nuclear-test-monitoring-stations-bavarian-forest
    Source snippet

    Participants had the opportunity to become better acquainted...Read more...

21. Source: conferences-test.ctbto.org
    Link: https://conferences-test.ctbto.org/event/22/contributions/4345/
    Source snippet

    Technology Workshop 2016 (ITW2016)In 2013 a small meteor approached to the earth and entered the atmosphere with high speed and destroyed...

22. Source: conferences.ctbto.org
    Link: https://conferences.ctbto.org/event/30/sessions/486/
    Source snippet

    ctbto.orgCTBT: Science and Technology Conference 2025Rocket launches and reentries are powerful atmospheric noise sources detectable at i...

23. Source: ctbto.org
    Link: https://www.ctbto.org/sites/default/files/2022-11/CTBT%20Brochure-Verification%20Regime_Nov2022.pdf
    Source snippet

    Monitoring the Earth for nuclear explosionsThe infrasound network of 60 stations uses microbarometers (acoustic pressure sensors) to dete...

24. Source: ctbto.org
    Link: https://www.ctbto.org/news-and-events/news/video-how-detect-secret-nuclear-test-minute-physics
    Source snippet

    Video: How To Detect A Secret Nuclear Test by Minute PhysicsA monitoring system that can detect pretty much any nuclear explosion that ta...

25. Source: ntrs.nasa.gov
    Link: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20110016611/downloads/20110016611.pdf
    Source snippet

    Detection of a Large Bolide over South Sulawesi...by EA Silber · 2011 · Cited by 2 — Infrasound is low frequency sound extending below t...

26. Source: technology.nasa.gov
    Title: LAR TOPS 106
    Link: https://technology.nasa.gov/patent/LAR-TOPS-106
    Source snippet

    Sensor Technology | T2 PortalNASA's infrasound sensor is a highly refined microphone that is capable of detecting acoustic waves from 20...

27. Source: ntrs.nasa.gov
    Link: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20110016611
    Source snippet

    Detection of a Large Bolide over South Sulawesi...by EA Silber · 2011 · Cited by 2 — This bolide disintegrated above the ground, generat...

28. Source: sciencedirect.com
    Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0012821X14000417
    Source snippet

    Infrasound detection of the Chelyabinsk meteor at...by CD de Groot-Hedlin · 2014 · Cited by 57 — On February 15, 2013 a small asteroid e...

    Published: February 15, 2013

29. Source: arxiv.org
    Link: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2502.14232
    Source snippet

    Bolide infrasound signal morphology and yield estimatesby TC Wilson · 2025 · Cited by 11 — Two bolides (2 June 2016 and 4 April 2019) wer...

    Published: June 2016

30. Source: arxiv.org
    Link: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2405.04127
    Source snippet

    A case study of the 23 July 2008 Tajikistan bolide Eby EA Silber · 2024 · Cited by 16 — Among various observational techniques used for d...

    Published: July 2008

31. Source: nationalacademies.org
    Link: https://www.nationalacademies.org/read/5875/chapter/14
    Source snippet

    National AcademiesChapter: Appendix F: InfrasonicsLarger atmospheric nuclear explosions were easily heard at ranges in excess of 10,000 k...

32. Source: nationalacademies.org
    Title: National Academies Chapter: 2
    Link: https://www.nationalacademies.org/read/10471/chapter/5
    Source snippet

    CTBT Monitoring Capability... low frequencies (less than 10 Hz). There is a substantial body of knowledge regarding infrasound propagatio...

33. Source: nationalacademies.org
    Link: https://www.nationalacademies.org/read/12849/chapter/5
    Source snippet

    Its key elements are (1) the IMS, which generates data from its radionuclide, seismic, infrasound, and hydroacoustic...Read more...

34. Source: agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
    Link: https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/grl.50619
    Source snippet

    AGU PublicationsThe 2013 Russian fireball largest ever detected by CTBTO...by A Le Pichon · 2013 · Cited by 183 — One of the most energe...

35. Source: aanda.org
    Title: aa41106 21
    Link: https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/full_html/2021/10/aa41106-21/aa41106-21.html
    Source snippet

    A&A OnlineInfrasound signals of fireballs detected by the...by T Ott · 2021 · Cited by 13 — The smallest meteoroid recorded by infrasoun...

36. Source: amusingplanet.com
    Link: https://www.amusingplanet.com/2016/12/the-electronic-ears-that-listen-to.html
    Source snippet

    Secret Nuclear TestsDec 29, 2016 — On February 15, 2013, the CTBTO's infrasound monitoring stations detected signals made by a meteor tha...

    Published: February 15, 2013

37. Source: Wikipedia
    Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrasound
    Source snippet

    InfrasoundInfrasound is characterized by an ability to get around obstacles with little dissipation. In music, acoustic waveguide meth...

38. Source: Wikipedia
    Title: Chelyabinsk meteor
    Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chelyabinsk_meteor
    Source snippet

    Chelyabinsk meteorThe meteor explosion produced the largest infrasounds to be recorded by the CTBTO... "2013 Russian Fireball largest...

Additional References

1. Source: researchgate.net
   Link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/257549080_Infrasound_production_by_bolides_A_global_statistical_study
   Source snippet

   Infrasound production by bolides: A global statistical studyInfrasound (low frequency sound) from the bolide was detected at the IS59 arr...

2. Source: thedebrief.org
   Link: https://thedebrief.org/infrasound-technology-proves-critical-for-planetary-defense-against-threats-from-outer-space/
   Source snippet

   Infrasound Technology Proves Critical for Planetary...3 May 2025 — An existing network of infrasound technology-based sensors designed t...

   Published: May 2025

3. Source: arpansa.gov.au
   Link: https://www.arpansa.gov.au/about-us/what-we-do/international-collaboration/ctbt

4. Source: aanda.org
   Link: https://www.aanda.org/component/article?access=doi&doi=10.1051%2F0004-6361%2F202141106
   Source snippet

   Infrasound signals of fireballs detected by the...by T Ott · 2021 · Cited by 13 — For 24 of those fireballs, a significant signature cou...

5. Source: blogs.nature.com
   Title: russian meteor blast was the largest ever recorded
   Link: https://blogs.nature.com/blog/russian-meteor-blast-was-the-largest-ever-recorded/
   Source snippet

   meteor blast was the largest ever recorded by...Jun 10, 2013 — Twenty infrasound monitoring stations around the world registered the exp...

6. Source: earthsky.org
   Title: explosion from russian meteor heard round the world twice
   Link: https://earthsky.org/earth/explosion-from-russian-meteor-heard-round-the-world-twice/
   Source snippet

   Explosion from Russian meteor heard round the world | EarthJul 8, 2013 — The meteor that exploded over Chelyabinsk, Russia on February 15...

7. Source: physicstoday.aip.org
   Title: locating explosions volcanoes and more with infrasound
   Link: https://physicstoday.aip.org/quick-study/locating-explosions-volcanoes-and-more-with-infrasound
   Source snippet

   explosions, volcanoes, and more with infrasound1 Apr 2011 — The instruments in those [arrays]({{ 'arrays/' | relative_url }}) listen for infrasound—that is, sound with fre...

8. Source: phys.org
   Title: 2013 06 scientists russian meteor shockwave globe
   Link: https://phys.org/news/2013-06-scientists-russian-meteor-shockwave-globe.html
   Source snippet

   Scientists say Russian meteor shockwave went twice...Jun 29, 2013 — Scientists have determined that an asteroid that burned up over Russ...

9. Source: csmonitor.com
   Title: Russia meteor triggered nuclear warning system
   Link: https://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2013/0222/Russia-meteor-triggered-nuclear-warning-system
   Source snippet

   The Christian Science MonitorRussia meteor triggered nuclear warning systemFeb 22, 2013 — When the space rock detonated, the blast was de...

10. Source: linkedin.com
    Link: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ctbto_did-you-know-the-earth-makes-sounds-we-activity-7389239619684294656-yA9K
    Source snippet

    hat propagate in the atmosphere over large distances.Read more...