Finally awaited, because what kind of winter without snow? Snowfall always evokes a little romantic mood and a good smile. Perhaps this is what prompted the International Ski Federation to launch World Snow Day. Since 2012, we have a new holiday, which always falls on the third Sunday in January. We decided to learn more about the culprit of the newly made holiday, especially since it just snowed

95% of snow consists of air. Because of this, it is white, because the light reflects the color from the combination of ice and air, which eventually dissipates. Whatever the scientific conclusions, snowfall is a magical phenomenon! Who among us as a child with an open mouth (literally) did not watch the circling snowflakes with a diameter of only a few millimeters? Some claim that a 38-centimeter snowflake was discovered in the United States in 1887, but no one has yet known whether this is a myth or not.

We used to see silvery-white snowflakes, and some saw colored snowfall. In 1955, green snow fell in California, and in 1969, Switzerland was surprised by black snow. The news shook the world, and scientists rushed to find an explanation: in the mountains you can find snow chlamydomonas. These are unicellular microscopic green algae, which, multiplying rapidly, begin to color snowflakes in different colors. Then the wind lifts the snow from the mountains and spreads it around the world. Who knows, maybe someday we will see a colorful snowfall.

You’ve probably heard many times that two similar snowflakes do not exist. But in 1611, Johann Kepler, who called himself an astronomer, was the first to register snowflakes of the same shape. To date, such cases have not been recorded. Scientists claim that there are about 130 different types of snowflakes.

This diversity depends on many factors: air movement, humidity in the clouds where they are born, changes in conditions during their fall, and so on. Scientists believe that a snowflake can change its shape several times during its falling, but then they all fall to the ground and create a beautiful snow carpet.

The amazing fact is that a snowflake «sings» when it falls – it creates a loud sound that a person does not hear. «Snow singing» is heard only by fish, which are able to respond to sounds of this frequency. We are seduced by other sounds. Do you like it when the snow screaks under your feet? We are, for sure! This sound is best heard when it is cold outside, but few people know what it is about. Researchers explain this by the fact that when a person steps on a blanket of snow, ice crystals begin to break and rub against each other. Hence this fabulous screak.

If you want to make sure that everything written is true, go outside! This winter is a great reason to be happy that we are here and now. And don’t forget to look for the most amazing snowflake: they say you can make a wish that will come true soon…