"Lake Star at Sunrise"

Just in time for the winter solstice! There are studies on the formation of 'lake stars' or ice stars, as they're also known by—how the central hole forms, and how many 'arms' or dendrites will result from that warmer upflow of water into the slushy surface snow. Those studies contain pages of mathematical equations and lab experiments. My studies have been simpler, focusing on temperature and precipitation and on the very cautious exploration of freshly frozen lakes. I know a short cold snap, enough to freeze ice several inches thick, followed by warmer weather, then the magic of snowfall on top, will give me an excellent opportunity to spot these beautiful ice formations.

Nikon D7200 with Tokina 11-16 @15mm

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