Sound is an integral part of our lives, and it’s fascinating how loud sounds can be. But have you ever wondered what the loudest sound ever recorded was? The answer might surprise you.
The Krakatoa Eruption
The loudest sound ever recorded was the eruption of Krakatoa, an Indonesian volcano, in 1883. The explosion was so loud that it was heard over 3,000 miles away in Perth, Australia, and even as far away as Mauritius, which is more than 3,000 miles away on the other side of the Indian Ocean.
The Krakatoa eruption was not only loud, but it was also incredibly powerful. The explosion was equivalent to 200 megatons of TNT, which is thousands of times more powerful than the atomic bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima in 1945.
Other Loud Sounds
While the Krakatoa eruption is the loudest sound ever recorded, there are other sounds that are incredibly loud, although not as loud as the eruption. For example, the call of the blue whale, which is the largest animal on Earth, can reach up to 188 decibels. That’s louder than a jet engine!
The sound of a space shuttle launch is also incredibly loud, reaching up to 220 decibels. That’s so loud that it can cause physical pain and even deafness. That’s why spectators at space shuttle launches are required to wear ear protection.
Conclusion
Sound can be incredibly powerful and fascinating, and the Krakatoa eruption is the loudest sound ever recorded. However, there are other sounds that are incredibly loud, such as the call of the blue whale and the sound of a space shuttle launch.
