Nyquist Capital

I no longer live in Southern California.

SAN DIEGO – A big boom was heard around San Diego County Tuesday morning, but it was unclear what caused it.

I lived in Ventura County, not far from Pt. Mugu and under the flight path of the Shuttle when it landed at Edwards Air Force Base. You would hear sonic booms occasionally and the military would explain why - usually someone having too much fun.

A spokeswoman at Miramar Marine Corps Air Station said it wasn’t caused by any activity or aircraft on the base.

“We have nothing on our flight line, nothing unusual going on,” said Lt. Victoria Jennings. “We felt it here, too.”

I also grew up with the missile launches from Vandenburg. Usually unannounced. During the cold war, as a kid, it was a little scary to look up and see a massive launch contrail.

A spokeswoman at Vandenberg Air Force, which is north of Santa Barbara, said she didn’t think their base was responsible, either.

“We didn’t launch any rockets. I can find out if there is aircraft testing,” said Tech Sgt. Rebecca Danet.

But occasionally, you would hear a sonic boom that didn’t sound at all like the others. Much louder. More violent. And no explanation from the only source capable of making such noises - the military. They never bothered to fabricate a cover story.

“Speculation is it’s a sonic boom or something along that line, but it is all speculation,” said Tom Amabile, a senior emergency services coordinator with the county Office of Emergency Services.

Only one explanation needed. Aurora.

Update: 27 April 06 - More info here.