7 Totally Awesome (and Terrifying) Objects Under a Microscope

Published January 30, 2014
Updated February 27, 2024

4. Pollen Under a Microscope

Pending on their plant origins, pollen spores vary in appearance. Even with their differences, each spore ends up looking pretty intricate under a microscope. Saturate the image with color, and you have a quirky, alien-like pollen spore.

Various Pollen Grains Under Microscope

Source: Darts Forum

5. Snowflakes Under a Microscope

Although most people know that no two snowflakes are exactly alike, their differences are magnified (literally) when viewed up close or under a microscope. A snowflake’s appearance varies based on the temperature, air currents, humidity conditions and other environmental factors surrounding its creation.

Generally, most snowflakes are six-sided, though those that are created in warmer temperatures often look smoother and less geometric. Looking at snowflakes under a microscope can provide much information about the conditions present while the snow was being formed, and are therefore a helpful tool for scientists.

Sparkling Snowflake Under Microscope

Source: NPR

Microscopic Snow Crystals

Source: Imgur

author
Kiri Picone
author
Kiri Picone holds a B.A. in English and creative writing from Pepperdine University and has been writing for various digital publishers for more than 10 years.
editor
Savannah Cox
editor
Savannah Cox holds a Master's in International Affairs from The New School as well as a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, and now serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Sheffield. Her work as a writer has also appeared on DNAinfo.