Part 1: Frozen Soap Bubbles
Physics
A soap bubble is a thin water film stabilized by soap. When placed on a cold surface, it freezes from the bottom upward. Freezing releases latent heat, which changes surface tension and drives Marangoni flows. Ice crystals detach, swirl and grow until the bubble solidifies into a frosted globe.
Requirements
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Temperature: ideally ≤ –15 °C, best below –20 °C
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Air: dry, calm, windless
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Surface: cold (snow, ice, chilled metal)
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Patience: crystallization visible after 5–20 s
Recipe Options
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Exploratorium: 3.8 l water + 2/3 cup dish soap + 1 tbsp glycerin
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Ontario Science Centre: 3–4 cups water + 1 cup dish soap + 1/3 cup glycerin or 1/2 cup corn syrup; chill before use
Instructions
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Prepare bubble mix and cool it.
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Choose a wind-protected spot with cold surface.
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Use a straw to gently place a bubble on snow or ice.
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Wait and watch ice crystals spread across the bubble.
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Photograph with macro lens and indirect light.
Part 2: Instant Snow from Boiling Water
Physics
Boiling water has low viscosity and breaks into tiny droplets when thrown. The large surface area allows rapid evaporation, which cools droplets instantly. In very cold, dry air, vapor condenses and freezes, creating a cloud of ice crystals.
Requirements
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Temperature: ≤ –20 °C (spectacular below –25 °C)
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Air: dry, calm, no strong wind
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Water: boiling hot, from thermos
Instructions
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Check wind direction, always throw with the wind.
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Wear gloves and eye protection.
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Pour boiling water into thermos.
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Swing water upwards and away from the body in a wide arc.
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Watch droplets transform into a snowy cloud.
Safety
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Never throw against the wind
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Keep distance from people and cameras
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Use thermos, not open pots
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Children only at a safe distance
FAQ
At what temperature do soap bubbles freeze?
They start freezing below –10 °C, but the most beautiful crystallization occurs at –15 °C to –25 °C.
Why do soap bubbles form crystal patterns?
Freezing releases heat and drives surface flows. Tiny crystals detach and swirl before growing, creating intricate patterns.
Can I make frozen bubbles without glycerin?
Yes, but they pop faster. Glycerin or corn syrup slows evaporation and strengthens the film.
At what temperature does boiling water turn to snow in air?
It works best below –20 °C, with very dry air. At –30 °C it almost always succeeds.
Is the effect related to the Mpemba effect?
No. The instant snow comes from evaporation and droplet freezing, not from the debated Mpemba effect.
Why does it sometimes fail?
Too warm, too humid, or droplets too big. Ensure boiling water, freezing air, and a wide throwing arc.
Sources
Nature Communications (2019): How soap bubbles freeze
NOVA/PBS: Freezing Soap Bubbles
CBS News: Nature up close: Freezing soap bubbles
WIRED: Why boiling water turns to snow in extreme cold
Washington Post: What really happens when you throw boiling water in freezing air
Iowa PBS: Why hot water turns to snow
Scientific American: Physics of soap bubbles
Exploratorium Bubble Recipes
Ontario Science Centre: Frozen bubble instructions
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