The Alaska Volcano Observatory is web-caming the expected eruption of volcano Augustine and there are some really wonderful pictures there as a result. Very cool to be able to observe this in near real time.

Alaska Volcano Observatory

Remember catching snowflakes on your tongue when you were a kid? Remember cutting snowflakes out of paper and marveling at the uniqueness of each unfolded flake? I'm captivated by snowfall and dazzled by the beauty of it sparkling in the sunlight. The intricate and delicate structure of snowflakes reminds me that we are living in a fractal universe.

Kenneth G. Libbrecht, Professor of Physics at Caltech, and Chairman of the Physics Department has been documenting his research into the temperature dependent molecular structure of the ice surface and how it affects crystal growth. Visit www.snowcrystals.com to find out everything you'd want to know about snowcrystals and snowflakes. Where do they come from? How do they form? Did you know there are many different types of ice crystals and that there is an international classification system?

You'll be amazed at the videoclips of the fractal-like growth of snowflakes that were created in the lab. Most of the pictures on the site can be clicked upon for a larger breathtaking view of each snowcrystal. Don't miss this beautiful and informative site!

For more information about the work Kenneth Libbrecht has done in this field of study, head on over to Amazon to find more publications about this delightful natural phenomenon.