Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley was a scientist, atmospheric enthusiast, and very much a Vermonter in all aspects. From a very young age, he was interested in the “water wonders of the atmosphere.” In his hometown of Jericho, Vermont, he didn’t need to look far when pursuing his passion. His free time in the freezing months was spent isolated alone in the backyard. He didn’t mind though, and his determination to observe the beautiful crystalsled him to make some fantastic discoveries.
Wilson was born on February 9, 1865 in Jericho. The Bentley farmhouse was shared between three generations of the family. Wilson lived with his brother Charles, their parents, and their grandparents. When they decided they needed more care, his grandparents moved out and down the street. Mary and Melissa Blood moved in with the family. It was intended for the farm to be handed down to the two brothers eventually, but Wilson was never as interested in farming as his family expected him to be. Wilson enjoyed reading, fishing, playing practical jokes, and tapping the trees to make maple syrup, a tradition that he completed every year for the rest of his life.
One of the greatest life-changing moments for Wilson was the gift of …show more content…
When snow crystals fall, they collide and attach to other crystals. Then the clumps break apart and attach to other clumps. By the time snowflakes reach the ground, they are made up of tens or hundreds of bits of snow crystals. Not every snow crystal had the symmetrical form Bentley was searching for. He also had to be wary that each flake wouldn’t last long, and so he had to hold his breath while sketching. When he ran out of breath he had to turn away, take a huge breath of frigid air, and turn back to finish his hurried
Wilson was born on February 9, 1865 in Jericho. The Bentley farmhouse was shared between three generations of the family. Wilson lived with his brother Charles, their parents, and their grandparents. When they decided they needed more care, his grandparents moved out and down the street. Mary and Melissa Blood moved in with the family. It was intended for the farm to be handed down to the two brothers eventually, but Wilson was never as interested in farming as his family expected him to be. Wilson enjoyed reading, fishing, playing practical jokes, and tapping the trees to make maple syrup, a tradition that he completed every year for the rest of his life.
One of the greatest life-changing moments for Wilson was the gift of …show more content…
When snow crystals fall, they collide and attach to other crystals. Then the clumps break apart and attach to other clumps. By the time snowflakes reach the ground, they are made up of tens or hundreds of bits of snow crystals. Not every snow crystal had the symmetrical form Bentley was searching for. He also had to be wary that each flake wouldn’t last long, and so he had to hold his breath while sketching. When he ran out of breath he had to turn away, take a huge breath of frigid air, and turn back to finish his hurried