No Two Alike: Snowflake Photography Reveals Nature's Symmetry [Slide Show]
Kenneth Libbrecht's photography highlights the beauty of each individual flake in his book The Art of the Snowflake
No Two Alike: Snowflake Photography Reveals Nature's Symmetry [Slide Show]
- NO TWO ALIKE: The growth of a snow crystal is very sensitive to the local temperature and humidity. Because each snowflake takes a different path as it falls from the clouds, each grows differently. The number of possible forms is enormous, so no two complex snow crystals are exactly alike. Courtesy of Ken Libbrecht
- MONSTER CRYSTAL: This large specimen measures 10.2 millimeters (0.4 inch) from tip to tip, about as large as a dime. The crystal exhibits some fractal, or self-similar, structure. Many side branches have their own side branches, and some of them even have additional side branches. In spite of its complex structure, this is still a single ice crystal. The water molecules are all aligned within the ice. Courtesy of Ken Libbrecht
- BRANCHING AND SIDE BRANCHING: This snow crystal started out as a small hexagonal prism, and the six branches sprouted from the six corners of the hexagon. As it grew, additional side branches sprouted from the main branches. The six-fold symmetry arises from the hexagonal packing of water molecules in the ice crystal. Courtesy of Ken Libbrecht
- EXCEPTIONAL SYMMETRY: As a growing snow crystal tumbles through the clouds, it experiences ever-changing temperatures and humidity levels along the way. Each change in its local environment changes the way a crystal grows, producing a variety of complex structures. The six arms grow in synchrony simply because they each experience the same growth history. Courtesy of Ken Libbrecht
- COLUMNS AND NEEDLES: Warmer snowfalls often bring crystals shaped like slender hexagonal columns—the same basic form as wooden pencils. Often the columns have hollow ends, and some are long and thin, like tiny ice needles. These types of crystals are common, looking like short bits of white hair on your sleeve. Courtesy of Ken Libbrecht
- EXOTIC COLORS: This picture was taken using a blue background augmented with various colored lights shining in from the sides. Where the snow crystal is thin and flat, you mainly see just the background coming through. But areas with more structure refract the other colors into the camera, yielding some flamboyant highlights. Courtesy of Ken Libbrecht
- WHITE SNOW: Many people think snowflakes are white, but a close look reveals that they are transparent, like glass. Snowflakes and snowbanks appear white because light is scattered from the edges of the clear crystals. Salt, sugar and crushed glass also are white for this reason. Courtesy of Ken Libbrecht
