Fernlike Snow Crystal

December 25, 2022

Wilson_snow_crystal_1e018f4a57d4c9c72ca62b8e6a3b374a

PhotographerWilson Bentley

Summary AuthorJim Foster

The lacy crystal shown above, as well as hundreds of other snow crystals, were first photographed by Wilson Alwyn Bentley (1865-1931). These photomicrographs are housed at the Bentley Snow Crystal Collection in the Schwerdtfeger Library, at the University of Wisconsin. According to the Lee/Magano system, this lovely specimen is classified as a fernlike dendrite snow crystal (P2e). Snow crystals are six-sided because the water molecules that form them are characteristically arranged in layers of hexagonal rings. This results in their stunning six-fold symmetry.

 

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Wishing you Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a Peaceful and Healthy 2023,

Erin Senoz, Jim Foster