Twelve-Branched Star on Metal

René Descartes first detailed snow crystal construction in 1637. It's a fascinating science. At first glance, the snow crystal in the bottom right might catch your attention—it's a classic stellar dendrite, formed at about 12 degrees F, with higher humidity. It's beautiful, but the one I was most pleased to capture is the one midline and left of center. Twelve-branched stars are far rarer and are formed when two crystals collide, centered and at about a thirty-degree angle, then grow together. These collisions happen frequently, but don't always end up looking so photogenic. This is the third twelve-branched star I've photographed in decades of capturing ice crystals.

Nikon D7200 with 105mm with attached ring flash

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