bow shock

See also: bowshock

English

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈbaʊʃɑk/

• Audio (US):

  (file)

Noun

bow shock (plural bow shocks)

1. (fluid dynamics) A shock wave formed by the bow of an object travelling at supersonic speed.
2. (astronomy) The region of the magnetosphere in which the solar wind slows from supersonic to subsonic.
3. A bow wave.

Synonyms

• (aviation, fluid dynamics): detached shock

Coordinate terms

(astronomy): heliopause, heliosheath, heliosphere

Related terms

• (astronomy): termination shock

Translations

astronomy

• Finnish: iskurintama, iskuaaltorintama
• French: onde de shock

See also

• (astronomy): interstellar space