Fast Facts
- Snowflakes can be shaped like columns and needles, not just pointed stars.
- Light reflects off the many facets of the snowflake to make it appear white, but it is actually clear!
- It takes about 1 hour for a snowflake to reach the ground.
- Snow can make sounds quieter because it absorbs noise instead of bouncing it back.
Snowflakes are tiny pieces of ice that fall from the sky when it is cold. They begin with a small speck of dust or pollen that a water droplet attaches to high up in the clouds. When the air is cold enough, these drops freeze and slowly grow as they move through the cloud. Snowflakes form six sides, called arms, because of how water freezes. No two snowflakes are exactly the same, even though they may look alike. This happens because each one travels through different temperatures and moisture. Not all snowflakes look like six pointed sides. They can look like crystals, needles, and plates. Snow gives the illusion of appearing white, but it’s actually transparent. As snow melts, it supports life by providing drinking water and irrigating crops. Much of the world’s population has never seen snow up close!
Check out this cool guide to identifying snowflakes!
Sources and additional information:
https://www.snowcrystals.com/facts/facts.html
https://www.noaa.gov/stories/how-do-snowflakes-form-science-behind-snow
https://www.bbcearth.com/news/17-surprising-facts-about-snow