Exclusive Edition - The Ultimate Field Guide to Photography: Buy Now!
Home
Animals
Daily News
Environment
Games
Green Guide
History
Kids
Maps
Music
Photography
Science & Space
Travel & Cultures
Video
National Geographic Channel
Magazines
National Geographic
Traveler
Adventure
Shop
Subscriptions
TV & Film
Travel With Us
Our Mission
Visit our Online Shops
Books & Atlases
Clothing & Accessories
DVDs
Maps
Catalog Quick Shop

Sign up for free

Newsletters

Once a month
get new photos
and expert tips.

Sign up

Sectored Plate Snowflake
Photo: Sectored plate snowflake
WALLPAPER
A snowflake's shape depends on the temperature at which it forms. This type of snowflake, called a sectored plate, forms when the temperate dips below about 5 degrees Fahrenheit (-15 degrees Celsius).
Photograph by Kenneth Libbrecht

Related Photo Galleries
Photo: Ceiling of an ice cave in Bavaria, Germany

Patterns in Nature: Snow and Ice

Photo: Peary Arctic expedition

Photo Gallery: North Pole Expeditions

Photo: Light reflecting on a rock wall in Utah

Patterns in Nature: Enigmatic Earth

Image: See all science and space photo galleries

Special Advertising Section
Photo: Horses and old barn

Enter Sweepstakes

Take a photographic journey through Montana and enter for a chance to win a trip for two!

Enter Now
Photo: Man carrying a kayak

Adventure Videos

Check out adventure videos from our West Coast Adventure Editor Steve Casimiro and go "Behind the Lens."

Watch Videos

Photo Tip of the Week

Long Exposures

When making long exposures, use a remote release to avoid camera movement. If you don't have a remote release, use the camera's self-timer.

More Photo Tips

The Complete National Geographic
Photo: The Complete National Geographic product

Explore 120 years of amazing discoveries, fascinating maps, and the world's best photography.

Shop Now

Photography Guides
Photo: Ultimate Field Guide book cover

Guides by National Geographic photographers.

Buy Guides

The National Geographic Image Collection Book
Photo: The Image Collection book cover

Own images from one of the finest and most extensive image collections on Earth.

Shop Now