Snowflake Science

Maggie Koerth 11:49 am Mon Dec 7, 2009

The first real winter storm of the season is is supposed to hit my part of the country tomorrow, inspiring childlike joy in those of us who work from home and grudging misanthropy in everybody else. With that inspiration, I offer the following slideshow combining gorgeous snowflake photography and fascinating snow science, sure to turn even the most frustrated commuter frown upside down.

Next time you find yourself digging your car out of a snowbank, stuck behind several miles of backed-up traffic, or nose-first in a ditch waiting for rescue from the highway patrol, you can think back on cool facts like…

The largest snowflakes ever measured occurred in Fort Keogh, Montana, in 1887. Flakes as large as 15 inches wide were reported.

…and smile.

Treehugger: The Unbelievable World of Snowflakes

Image from snowcrystals.com

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