StarTalk Radio The Snow Show: Making Snowflakes with Peter Veals and Twila Moon
Jan 21, 2022
Join Peter Veals, an atmospheric scientist and snowmaking expert, alongside Twila Moon, a glacial scientist, as they delve into the fascinating world of snow. They discuss the science behind snowflake formation and the intriguing concept of supercooling. The conversation touches on the environmental impact of artificial snow production in the face of climate change and the cultural significance of snow sports. Expect insights on glaciers, snow as a commodity, and the urgent need for sustainable practices to combat the effects of global warming.
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Snowflake Formation
- Snowflakes form in clouds through deposition, changing directly from gas to solid.
- They fall through the cloud, encountering supercooled liquid droplets, which freeze onto them.
Freezing Point of Water
- Pure water's freezing point is closer to -40°C than 0°C.
- It needs a seed, like a jostle or impurity, to freeze above -40°C.
Instant Freeze
- Neil deGrasse Tyson once slammed supercooled purified water on the ground.
- It instantly froze due to introduced impurities.