What snowflakes tell us about our Universe
Snowflakes are often seen as intricate, beautiful, and mysterious creations of nature. But what if we told you that snowflakes can actually tell us a lot about the universe and the laws that govern it? According to Professor Brian Cox, the structure of a snowflake can be explained by a few universal laws of nature that also apply to everything from snowflakes to galaxies.
In a recent video transcript, Prof Brian Cox explains the intricate journey of a snowflake, from its formation in the clouds to its unique shape and pattern. Snowflakes, or more technically known as snow crystals, form when water vapor meets specks of dust or pollen in the clouds, forming a tiny hexagonal heart. The size and shape of the branches of the snowflake depend on the temperature and humidity it encounters as it falls to the ground, making each snowflake unique. Johannes Kepler, a mathematician, was captivated by snowflakes and theorized that the hexagonal pattern is the most efficient use of space, a theory that was proven 400 years later.
What Kepler didn’t know at the time is that each molecule of water is made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, forming a roughly 105-degree angle, which gives snowflakes their six-sided symmetry. Snowflakes are not actually white but appear so due to the scattering of light caused by their edges. They also exhibit radial symmetry, similar to shells, flowers, starfish, and even spiral galaxies like the Milky Way.
Snowflakes, in essence, represent a microcosm of the laws of physics – from gravity to electromagnetism and symmetry. Each snowflake tells its own unique story, shaped by the experiences it encounters, much like us.
This captivating insight into the world of snowflakes not only brings a new perspective to these delicate formations but also offers a deeper understanding of the fundamental laws of nature that govern our universe.