PSB

bentley pics rearranged

PSB #2: Why do Snow Crystals Show Such Symmetry on Each Branch?

Various versions of this idea been around at least since the 1930s, but I was a little saddened to see it in a recent book* by science journalist Phillip Ball: The snow crystal (not snowflake**) certainly invites speculations, doesn’t it? So small and pure, yet containing much beauty, variety, and symmetry. It is the detailed […]

PSB #2: Why do Snow Crystals Show Such Symmetry on Each Branch? Read More »

tricircles pond ice

PSB #1 (Popular Science Blunders): Why do Lakes Freeze at Top?

WITA’s new feature: science blunders often seen in popular works. I’ve seen this particular one twice recently from writers who I expected to be much more careful. It’s one of those “facts” folks believe was proven long ago and now is just passed along without thinking. Here is one version typical of others*: This statement

PSB #1 (Popular Science Blunders): Why do Lakes Freeze at Top? Read More »