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Discussion » Questions » Science and Technology » 'No two snowflakes are exactly alike'; fact or myth?
Kittigate

'No two snowflakes are exactly alike'; fact or myth?

In some places it is not much unusual to spot snowflakes 6" in diameter according to 'How Stuff Works' website.

Posted - January 2, 2022
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Responses


  • 2999
    That is unanswerable since no one has seen them all.  But to me it seems like it could be the truth since the weather conditions at the moment of creation vary so much from snowflake to snowflake. 
      January 2, 2022 11:58 AM MST
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  • 44604
    Mathematically it is possible because there cannot be an infinite number of possibilities, but the actual number would be almost incalculable because of so many variables. It would also be a pointless waste of time.
      January 2, 2022 12:48 PM MST
    1

  • 6023
    I'd say the variables Element 99 mentions makes it impossible.
    Simplest variable - they would have to have formed at the exact same time and place for them to be "exactly" alike.
      January 3, 2022 12:42 PM MST
    2

  • 44604
    Good point. The question said 'are', not 'have ever been', in which case my answer would be correct. Could 'have existed at the same time' is would eliminate the variable of being formed at the same time, as each snowflake has a finite life.
      January 3, 2022 1:40 PM MST
    1