In Celebration of Snowflakes and Snow Crystals
Most would agree that a snow-covered field is a beautiful sight. But deep within that snow lies a symphony of microscopic beauty in each of the individual snowflakes and snow crystals. In 1885, Wilson Bentley became the first person to photograph a single snowflake, and since then people around the world have been able to marvel at the simple beauty of these tiny works of art. This lens celebrates the beauty of snowflakes and snow crystals.
Snowflake Facts
How cool is that?
Snowflakes are always six-sided.
They can be categorized in six main shapes - plate or flat, stars, column, needle, dendrite and capped column.
Snow crystals grow fastest near 5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Most snowflakes are less than a half inch across.
The Guinness Book of World Records says the largest snowflake recorded ever was 38 cm (15 in) across by 20 cm (8 in) thick and was found in Montana.
No Two Are Alike?
The old adage may not be true
We've all heard that no two snowflakes are alike. But is it true?According to Wikipedia, "Strictly speaking, it is extremely unlikely for any two macroscopic objects in the universe to contain an identical molecular structure; but there are, nonetheless, no known scientific laws that prevent it. In a more pragmatic sense, it's more likely-albeit not much more-that two snowflakes are virtually identical if their environments were similar enough, either because they grew very near one another, or simply by chance. The American Meteorological Society has reported that matching snow crystals were discovered in Wisconsin in 1988 by Nancy Knight of the National Center for Atmospheric Research."
Cloud physicist Jon Nelson from Ritsumeikan University in Japan also says it "very likely" that identical snowflakes exist.
In an article in LiveScience, Nelson said:
"How likely is it that two snowflakes are alike? Very likely if we define alike to mean that we would have trouble distinguishing them under a microscope and if we include the crystals that hardly develop beyond the prism stage-that is, the smallest snow crystals."
Close Up Snowflake Photo
Who Was the First Person to Photograph Snowflakes?
Wilson "Snowflake" Bentley captured over 5000 images in his lifetime
Snowflake Bentley (Caldecott Medal Book)
Amazon Price: $9.14 (as of 12/13/2009)
This book for children tells the story of Wilson Bentley, the Snowflake Man. It was awarded the Caldecott Medal.
Snow Crystal Photos by Wilson Bentley
Public domain images from "Snowflake Bentley"
"Snowflake" Bentley's Book of Snow Crystals
Snowflakes in Photographs
Amazon Price: $7.88 (as of 12/13/2009)
Snow Crystal Images
The Art of the Snowflake
More images of snowflakes
The Art of the Snowflake: A Photographic Album
Amazon Price: $19.80 (as of 12/13/2009)
Snowflake Ornaments
Swarovski 2008 Annual Edition Star Snowflake Ornament 942045
Amazon Price: (as of 12/13/2009)
IRRIDESCENT SNOWFLAKE ORNAMENTS 12PC - 2" GLASS IRRIDESCENT SNOWFLAKE ORNAMENTS 12PC.
Amazon Price: $31.58 (as of 12/13/2009)
12-pc Silver 4 inch Snowflake Christmas Ornaments
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 12/13/2009)
Wallace Grande Baroque Snowflake 12th Edition, Christmas Ornament
Amazon Price: $71.62 (as of 12/13/2009)
Make a Snowflake
A fun site for kids
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How to Make a Snowflake
Easy-to-Make Decorative Paper Snowflakes (Other Paper Crafts)
Amazon Price: $5.95 (as of 12/13/2009)
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Did You Learn Something New About Snowflakes?
Let us know or just say hi!
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Reply
- Donnette Donnette Dec 12, 2009 @ 11:28 am
- Oh what a delightful Lens... Came across it while researching Bentley for a Unit Study I am doing on- wait for it -> THE SNOW QUEEN - thought Snowflake Activities would complete it... :D) Thank you
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Reply
- Ramkitten Ramkitten Nov 8, 2009 @ 9:50 am
- Snowflakes are just amazing. I do believe it certainly is possible for there to be identical flakes ... but I sure doubt anyone will ever find them! I never realized, though, they all had six sides. Interesting.
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Reply
- ElizabethJeanAllen ElizabethJeanAllen May 20, 2009 @ 3:59 pm
- Hi,
My name is Elizabeth Jean Allen and I am the new group leader for the Nature and the Outdoors Group.
Lizzy
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Reply
- EverythingMouse EverythingMouse Feb 20, 2009 @ 6:57 pm
- Snow flakes seem so simple on the outside but are so complex. Beautiful lens.
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Reply
- ElizabethJeanAllen ElizabethJeanAllen Jan 11, 2009 @ 7:22 am
- Welcome to The Totally Awesome Lenses Group.
Lizzy
- Load More
Snowflake Pictures
Some fun photos from Flickr
IMG_3178
IMG_3181
snowflake swap!
snowflake star
snowflake bokeh 1.jp...
snowflake bokeh 4.jp...
snowflake bokeh 5.jp...
snowflake bokeh 2.jp...
snowflake bokeh 3.jp...
christmas glow
by lisadh
One of my favorite top... (more)
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