Why does it get quiet after snow? The snowflake science
Caitlin Kaiser
ByCaitlin KaiserandTatum Fry•
October 30, 2026Updated: October 30, 2026, 6:19 am EDTPublished: October 30, 2026, 2:00 am EDT

That eerie hush after a fresh snowfall isn't just in your head, and the real reason is hiding in the shape of every snowflake. Fresh snow acts like a natural soundbooth because each flake traps sound waves in the gaps between its arms as it falls. But once the snow melts and refreezes, the flakes lose their sound-muting magic. Find out more here.




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