Did you know that snowflakes come in 121 unique types? 🌨️❄️ And some of them you might only see once in a lifetime!
\"Every detail or pattern of a snowflake reflects what it goes through in the cloud. When falling to the ground, the snowflake must be unique. It's just like humans – no two people can have identical experiences,\" says Zhang Chao, a passionate snowflake enthusiast.
Zhang works at the National Astronomical Observatories (NAOC), where he often gazes at stars through telescopes. But his curiosity doesn't stop at the cosmos. He also explores the tiny wonders around us using a microscope—from snowflakes to sand—revealing amazing new worlds. 🔭🔬✨
Photographing snowflakes isn't as easy as it sounds. Zhang studies snow forecasts to know when the snow will arrive, then braves the cold to prepare his self-assembled microscope and slides outdoors for about 20 minutes, ensuring the snowflakes won't melt before he can photograph them. Then comes the real challenge: capturing the intricate portraits of these delicate ice crystals.
Contrary to popular belief, snowflakes come in 121 distinct types, and Zhang has photographed over 80 of them since 2005. He has no intention of stopping because they continue to surprise him with their enchanting beauty. ❄️❤️
\"Snowflakes are like tiny works of art, each with its own story,\" Zhang says.
Whether you're a science lover or just appreciate the beauty of nature, Zhang's snowflake photography opens a window into a hidden world that's right at our fingertips—quite literally when those snowflakes land!
Reference(s):
Snowflakes come in 121 types, and some you might see only once
cgtn.com
