Breaking the sound barrier

F18 jet breaking the sound barrier, courtesy of Oscar Medina, CE of KNSD (TV) San Diego

I love photos like this and this one appeals to me on so many levels.
First of all, I think it is beautiful and inspiring...and who couldn't use an uplifting image now when the media is consumed with covering the sad story of Terri Schiavo???
Secondly, even though jets regularly break the sound barrier, capturing the exact millisecond of the resulting "plume" on film or digitally is very rare.
Thirdly, in the face of all our shortcomings, that we human beings are able to design, and build and even dream such a magnificent thing is truly awesome.