Snowflakes form when very cold drops of water freeze around particles (specks), like pollen or dust, in the sky. As this newly formed snowflake falls to the ground, water vapor (gas) freezes onto it and adds to its shape.

Every snowflake is unique—like you. There’s no one else like you in the whole world. You were fearfully and wonderfully made in God’s image—and that makes you very special.

Why does snow glitter in the sunlight?

Meteorologists (mee-tee-ur-AH-luh-gists), experts who study the weather, call this effect “snow sparkle.” It happens when the sun reflects off the individual ice crystals of the snow, like millions of tiny mirrors.

It takes one hour for a snowflake to fall from a cloud to the earth.