Tag

Snowflakes

All articles tagged with #snowflakes

science1 year ago

"The Science Behind the Squeaking Sound of Snow Underfoot"

Scientists have long understood how snow forms, but the reason behind the satisfying squeak it makes when walked on has been less explored. W. Craig Carter, a professor at MIT, likens the sound to breaking tiny particles, with the intricate architecture of snowflakes and sintering playing a key role. As temperatures drop, the likelihood of snow crunching increases, similar to the way wet sand also squeaks due to adhesions forming between grains.

weather2 years ago

"The Science of Snowflakes: Unraveling the Mysteries of Winter Storms"

A winter storm brought heavy rain and snow to the East Coast, prompting curiosity about the size of snowflakes. While the Guinness World Record lists the largest snowflake at 15 inches in diameter, physicist Kenneth Libbrecht has been skeptical of this record and has conducted research to understand the true nature of snowflakes. He aims to determine whether the 1887 record is scientifically possible.

nature2 years ago

The Fascinating World of Enormous Snowflakes

The largest individual snow crystal ever observed measured 10 millimeters (0.39 inches) from tip to tip, according to Professor of Physics at Caltech Dr Kenneth Libbrecht. While reports suggest that snowflakes as large as 1 ft 3 in (38 cm) wide and 8 in (20 cm) thick have been seen, these may have been clumps of many snow crystals. Snow crystals are the result of water freezing from vapor to ice, while snowflakes can be any icy lump falling from the sky. Snow crystal enthusiasts can observe and identify different crystalline structures by following tips from Libbrecht, such as wearing something warm with a dark sleeve, using a magnifier, and familiarizing themselves with different types of snowflakes.

science2 years ago

The Enormous Potential of Snowflakes

The largest recorded snowflakes, measuring 15 inches in width and nearly 8 inches in thickness, were spotted in Montana in 1887. However, these colossal flakes were actually clusters of ice crystals that had collided together. The typical size of a single snow crystal is much smaller, with the largest observed being about 10 millimeters in diameter. The main limit on snow crystal size is the fragility of larger crystals, which break apart easily in windy conditions. Snow crystals can take on a variety of shapes depending on temperature and humidity, ranging from simple prisms to intricate rosettes and dendrites.

science-and-technology2 years ago

The Mystery of Snowflake Uniqueness Unveiled in CURIOUS Issue 17

Issue 17 of CURIOUS, a free e-magazine, explores the question of whether no two snowflakes are alike, delves into the possibility of the Christmas star being a real astronomical event, discusses finding a mate in the twilight zone, highlights the fastest glacier in the Northern Hemisphere, and features an exclusive interview with authors Kelly and Zach Weinersmith. The issue also includes news, diary dates, and recommendations for what to see, watch, and read.

weather2 years ago

Wintry Halloween Forecast: Cold Temperatures and Snowflakes Expected in Metro Detroit

Halloween in Metro Detroit will be cold, with temperatures in the 30s and a chance of a few snowflakes during trick-or-treating. Morning temperatures will be in the upper 20s to low 30s, with scattered rain/snow showers in the afternoon and evening. The rest of the week will be drier and slightly warmer before rain returns for the weekend.

weather2 years ago

Winter Weather Update: Rain and Snowfall Predictions for Metro Detroit and Akron

Metro Detroit will experience below average temperatures with clouds sticking around for the start of the weekend. A cold front will move through the region, bringing isolated showers early in the morning. The day will mostly be dry with cloud cover. Temperatures will fall throughout the day, reaching the mid-50s. Rain showers are expected overnight Saturday and scattered rain showers are expected on Sunday. High temperatures will only reach the upper 40s. Colder temperatures are expected for Halloween, with highs in the lower 40s and the possibility of a rain and snow mix on Wednesday. No accumulation is expected. Drier weather with sunshine and clouds is expected for the end of next week, with temperatures moderating into the middle 40s and lower 50s.

politics2 years ago

Stanford Protests Spark Debate Over Free Speech and Campus Culture

Whoopi Goldberg criticized the recent law student protests at Stanford University, saying people need to understand that not everyone agrees. She called out "all the snowflakes in the world" and said that we don't show our kids how to disagree respectfully. The protests were in response to Circuit Court judge Stuart Kyle Duncan, a Trump appointee who was invited to speak on campus at a Federalist Society event. The judge was shouted down by angry students who wouldn't allow him to make his prepared remarks. The hosts of "The View" discussed the importance of the free exchange of ideas and criticized both the students and the judge for their behavior.