Today's Image

Death of a snowflake

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March 20, 2014

Phyllis Carlson captured this photo series yesterday (March 19), day before today’s equinox. She calls the series “Death of a Snowflake.” She wrote:

Nice snowflakes falling this morning and I was in the mood to take more pics. Unfortunately w/the temp hovering around 32 degrees they melted quickly on my work surface. So I decided to take a series of pics showing 1 snowflake as it melted away. Each pic was taken just seconds apart.

Everything you need to know: Vernal or spring equinox

Pic 1. Not a bad looking snowflake. Photo by Phyllis Carlson.

Pic 2 still has a decent shape. Photo by Phyllis Carlson.

Pic 3 losing some shape now. Photo by Phyllis Carlson.

Pic 4 shape still there but getting thin. Photo by Phyllis Carlson.

Pic 5 barely any design left. Photo by Phyllis Carlson.

Pic 6 can still tell it was a snowflake but not very pretty. Photo by Phyllis Carlson.

Pic 7 the blob. Photo by Phyllis Carlson.

Pic 8 the end! What a drip. Photo by Phyllis Carlson.

Bottom line: On the first day of spring for us in the Northern Hemisphere, check out this series taken yesterday of a snowflake, melting. Happy spring, everyone!

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March 20, 2014

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Deborah Byrd

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About the Author:

Deborah Byrd (asteroid 3505 Byrd) helps edit EarthSky.org and is a frequent host of EarthSky videos. Deborah created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named in her honor in 1990, a Public Service Award from the National Science Board in 2003, and the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society in 2020. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.