Snow Crystals

When I was little, I dreamed of living in a cabin I had seen in a photo, surrounded by snow, fireplace smoke coming out of the chimney, and a peaceful landscape all around. In south Louisiana, snow was a rare event.

While I am not living in that cabin, I do get to see snow here in Nebraska. And when the weather conditions are just right, as they were this morning, the snow crystals are stunning.

The first photo is simply sunlight reflecting off the snow. Note the symmetry! I could not see this on the screen as I took the photo. All I could see was a glint. What a beautiful surprise!

sunlight reflecting on snow

The next photo shows a sectored plate. You can see most of it in the bottom center of the photo. The snow crystal's branches are fairly thick and pointed. This was revealed as I pushed back some snow that had accumulated on a wooden deck.

Here, a real beauty: a stellar dendrite. Note the side branches on each arm of the snow crystal.

Yet another lovely snow crystal. This one was melting as I took the picture.

All of these snow crystals form at a fairly narrow range of atmospheric conditions. Not every snowfall in Nebraska produces these. I am so happy I was able to grab a camera, kneel down in some snow, and share this beauty with you.

If you keep your eyes and heart open, the world is rich with beauty.