A Tool for Observation of Artificial Snow Using a Gel Ice Pack

Abstract

A simple tool for producing and observing artificial snow was developed. The tool was made of familiar and inexpensive materials such as a foamed polystyrene block, a gel ice pack (Frozen Sheet) and a plastic case to store them. Since the tool does not require dry ice but a gel ice pack which can be frozen repeatedly in a refrigerator, the running cost is almost zero. In addition, no special technique nor caution for safety is needed in handling the tool. By controlling the temperature of water to supply vapor into the observation chamber, different types of snow crystals were produced and observed. This paper presents a detailed structure of the tool as well as typical results obtained using it.