Photographed using a specialized microscope whose viewing stage is chilled to -170C, scientists in Maryland are showing a whole new side to what's caught on the tip of our tongues.

Using a low-temperature scanning electron microscope, researchers at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center have captured an astonishing new view on naturally-occurring snowflakes.

Shipping in the samples collected from snow banks or during fresh snow fall from around the country, the researchers study their composition for their effects on our ecosystem.
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© emu.arsusda.govThese unique images captured with a low-temperature scanning electronic microscope capture show a side to snowflakes rarely seen before

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© emu.arsusda.govThis image, shown with a tint of red, is what is called a psedo-coloured snowflake whose colour is computer generated and used commonly to highlight different parts of the flake
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© emu.arsusda.govMagnifying this hexagon flake 450 times its size shows a detailed, frosty surface
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The magnifications, while stunning, are used to help scientists better assess the nation's water supply and how to protect from flooding
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© emu.arsusda.gov
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Compare and contrast: this is what artificial man-made snow looks like up close. Hasn't got anything on the intelligence of the Living System.
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© emu.arsusda.gov
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© emu.arsusda.govThe snowflakes are either brushed onto copper flakes held by researchers or allowed to fall naturally on them
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© emu.arsusda.govOnce the flakes are captured they are right away dipped in liquid nitrogen, cooling them down to -196C
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© emu.arsusda.gov
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A glass-like snowflake in the upper right-hand corner shows the center flake before pulling in to a view 79 times its size
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Shown at the top, a flake is seen magnified 908 times while at the bottom the same area is seen magnified 1,860 times
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Random pattern? Or clear evidence for intelligent design?