Snowflakes

Some people prefer their language correct, others prefer their science correct. A story in the Guardian reports on German scientist Prof. Thomas Koop, who has had enough of unnatural depictions of snowflakes. As we all know – well, now we do – snowflakes can only be hexagonal. In other words, six sides.

The article states that Koop has had enough of snowflakes with four, five or eight sides being depicted on cards and designs, which he describes as "faux" snowflakes. He wrote to the journal Nature, reminding readers that humans have known about the structure of flakes for more than 400 years.

It shows that bug bears and so-called "pedants" exist not just in language, but also elsewhere. Next time you draw snow flakes – strictly speaking, ice crystals – make sure they only have six sides!

As a side not, the article features the following: 'Poor understanding of how snowflakes form means we are now knee-deep in fake flakes, Koop laments. "The grand diversity of naturally occuring snow crystals is commonly corrupted by incorrect 'designer' versions," his letter adds.'

Now, I don't know if it is the fault of the Guardian, or Nature or the writer, but somebody made the common error of spelling occurring as occuring. I hope it wasn't Koop...