In the wake of a winter storm that painted the East Coast in a picturesque blanket of snow and rain, our curiosity turns to the delicate wonders of snowflakes. Kenneth Libbrecht, a distinguished scientist, claims the title for capturing the largest snow crystal ever photographed, measuring an impressive 10 mm from tip to tip. Yet, the allure of snowflakes extends beyond mere size.

According to Guinness World Records, the reigning champion for the "largest snowflake" boasts a staggering 15 inches in diameter, discovered near Missoula, Montana, back in 1887. However, Libbrecht, a physicist at Caltech, harbors skepticism about this historical record and embarked on a quest to unravel the secrets of snowflakes. His mission: to explore the essence of what makes a snowflake unique and to scrutinize the scientific feasibility of the colossal 1887 find.

To delve into the fascinating details of Libbrecht's discoveries, you can explore the full account of his scientific journey. Whether debunking myths or shedding light on the intricacies of these whimsical ice crystals, Libbrecht's research adds a new dimension to our understanding of snowflakes.

Have you encountered captivating snowflakes this winter? Share your frozen marvels with us by sending a photo to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Meanwhile, tune in to Short Wave on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts for more captivating explorations. This episode, skillfully produced by Chloee Weiner, was expertly edited by Rebecca Ramirez and fact-checked by Nell Greenfieldboyce, with the audio engineering finesse of Valentina Rodriguez.

In conclusion, as winter storms grace the East Coast with their ethereal touch, the allure of snowflakes beckons us into a world of delicate beauty and scientific intrigue. Kenneth Libbrecht's pursuit of understanding the essence of snowflakes challenges historical records, prompting a reevaluation of the "largest snowflake" claim from 1887. Beyond the whimsical scenes they create, snowflakes reveal themselves as intricate, unique wonders, each holding its own captivating story.

As we navigate the winter wonderland, captivated by the mesmerizing dance of snowflakes, we invite you to share your own frozen encounters by submitting photos to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The exploration of snowflakes doesn't end here; continue your journey by tuning in to Short Wave on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts for more insightful narratives. This episode, crafted with precision by Chloee Weiner and polished by the editing finesse of Rebecca Ramirez, stands as a testament to the ongoing quest to unravel the mysteries concealed within the delicate artistry of snowflakes.