I remember growing up when sonic booms were a frequent occurrence. As a kid I found them exciting. If I'd been an adult then probably not.
During the late 1950s or early 1960s - I didn't make notes at the time - the USAF used Columbus, Ohio as a target for its B-58s. The newspapers would publish a notice that sonic booms would be heard on particular days.
When I look back on that, I wonder what town in Mother Russia looked like Columbus.
- oldman