Video: Decode the mysterious snow flower formation

Most people know, no two snowflakes are exactly the same. However, to see how they formed requires microscopy.

Using "time-lapse" techniques , Russian cinematographer Vyacheslav Ivanov created a short video, revealing the formation of unique 6-bladed ice crystals.

Snowflakes are born when a drop of water freezes around pollen or a dust in the air, creating an ice crystal. After that, more water molecules fall on the ice crystals, forming hexagons with "arms" that show 6 directions.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) explains, ice crystals that constitute snow flowers are symmetrical , since they reflect the internal order of water molecules when arranged within themselves. predetermined time to form snow flowers. The reason why each snow flower has 6 symmetrical lines is hydrogen bonds in water crystals.

The shape of snowflakes is created, depending on temperature and humidity. Long ice crystals, like a needle, form at a slightly warmer temperature like -5 degrees Celsius, while snow flowers formed at colder temperatures such as -15 degrees C possess a flat and round shape. than.