Smoke mortars were utilized in nuclear tests to analyze shock wave propagation through the refracted sunlight in smoke trails, with high-speed cameras capturing the data. While the methodology is documented, specific results remain elusive, prompting inquiries for accessible findings. Some reports, such as those analyzing atomic tests during Operation Teapot, provide insights into shock wave velocities, but discussions reveal that many values are derived rather than directly measured. The conversation highlights the complexity of extracting accurate velocity data from photographic records, emphasizing the need for processing to obtain reliable results. The debate continues over the interpretation of these findings and the existence of supersonic shock waves, reflecting ongoing research in the field.