Fernlike Dendrite Snow Crystal

March 03, 2017

Snowflake 020917 cr (3)

Photographer: John Stetson
Summary Authors: John Stetson; Jim Foster

The photo above showing fine detail in a hexagonal snow crystal was taken as the first flakes fell during a snowstorm several weeks ago in Sebago Lake, Maine. According to the Magono-Lee snow crystal classification, this is a fernlike dendrite (P1f). These large crystals are often several millimeters across and tend to fall in cold air -- forming dry (low-density) snowpacks. Taken on February 9, 2017, it's my effort to honor the legacy of Wilson Bentley (Snowflake Bentley) for the techniques he first mastered in the early part of the 20th century to capture the beauty and majesty of snowflakes.

Photo Details: Camera Model: NIKON D300; Lens: 105.0 mm f/2.8; Focal Length: 105.0mm (35mm equivalent: 157mm); Aperture: ƒ/32.0; Exposure Time: 5.000 s; ISO equiv: 320; Software: Adobe Photoshop CS4 Macintosh.