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karl
August 20th, 2012, 07:25 AM
The secrets of snowflakes: Scientists capture incredible close-ups of ice crystals (but they had to freeze the microscope to -170C to get the shots)
Hydrologists study the snowflakes' composition to understand their effects on ecosystem
Naturally occurring snowflakes are collected outside Maryland research center and shipped in

Photographed using a specialized microscope whose viewing stage is chilled to -170C, scientists in Maryland are showing a whole new side to what's caught on the tip of our tongues.
Using a low-temperature scanning electron microscope, researchers at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center have captured an astonishing new view on naturally-occurring snowflakes.
Shipping in the samples collected from snow banks or during fresh snow fall from around the country, the researchers study their composition for their effects on our ecosystem.

See link for photos


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2190808/Beltsville-Agricultural-Research-Center-Scientists-preserve-capture-microscopic-snowflakes.html#ixzz245YELuKr

Cognizant
August 20th, 2012, 06:38 PM
That's so freaking weird and cool. Thanks for sharing Karl!

justinglives
August 20th, 2012, 06:41 PM
Good 2 know!

Jess
August 22nd, 2012, 08:48 PM
that's so cool, seeing them up close

Mortal Coil
August 24th, 2012, 09:04 AM
Whoa, awesome. They almost look like pieces of clockwork.

AwkwardTurtle22
August 29th, 2012, 04:36 PM
that's really cool :)