How Many Points Does A Snowflake Have? | Metro News

It is well-known that all snowflakes are unique, and that there are an unlimited number of patterns and shapes they can form.

Although it would be impossible to test, the sheer number of possible formations means that it is likely that each snowflake will be slightly different from the next. 

As much of the UK was hit with snow overnight, today is a good opportunity to go out and test the theory for yourself.

But something surprising you may notice is that while unique, all snowflakes will have the exact same number of points…

How many points are on a snowflake?

Every snowflake has six points or sides due to the way snowflakes form.

As the Met Office explains: ‘’The molecules in ice crystals join to one another in a hexagonal structure, an arrangement which allows water molecules—each with one oxygen and two hydrogen atoms—to form together in the most efficient way.’

This means that although every snowflake likely has its own intricate formation, all snowflakes will have exactly six sides.

Impressive stuff.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

Up Next

Previous Page Next Page

Different kinds of snowflakes

While all snowflakes are unique, they can be grouped into different kinds, based on their patterns or structures.

Three broad types of snowflakes are: 

• Dendrite snowflakes
• Thin plate snowflakes
• Sector plate snowflakes

Dendrite snowflakes are intricate and have branching structures—this kind is most likely the kind you think of when you imagine what a snowflake looks like.

A thin plate snowflake is less intricate than a dendrite snowflake, and doesn’t have branches, while a sector plate snowflake will have the beginnings of branches but won’t be as intricate as Dendrite snowflakes.

More Trending

1. 

   White Christmas declared in this area of the UK for the first time in 55 years

   Channel: UK UK 19 hours ago By Noora Mykkanen
2. Flights cancelled and drivers stranded after storm floods Dubai
3. People warned to stay indoors after storm floods Dubai roads and cancels flights
4. Everyone's saying the same thing about the Statue of Liberty replica collapsing

Snowflakes will form differently depending on the weather conditions, such as the temperature and moisture levels.

Happy snowflake hunting!

Arrow MORE: Thundersnow strikes Britain and more on the way after Met Office issues warning

Arrow MORE: Snowpiercer: Could it really happen? The very real concerns with geoengineering explained

Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Share your views in the comments below

Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source