People who talk about the “beauty of physics” are usually … well … physicists. But sometimes, the artistic side
of science displays itself for all to see.
This image was created for just that purpose. And like all good art, it’s no accident. NASA scientist Peter Wasilewski shot this picture of ice crystals in formation by shining light through a special polarizing filter.
Light is known for its wavelike properties, one of which is vibration. Ordinary light vibrates wildly in many directions, but a polarizing filter reins in light waves so that they vibrate in only one direction. As polarized light passes through the ice, it bounces off the crystals in a more organized way.
The laws of physics govern how the light refracts (bends) and reflects (bounces away), but even an astrophysicsts like Wasilewski can’t always predict what the outcome will be. Sometimes, the result is a blur of colorful streaks. Other times, it is a stunning snapshot like this one, which Wasilewski named “Frizion Illume.”
Think of it as abstract art via concrete science.
Photo by Peter Wasilewski, Goddard Space Flight Center .
