Frozen Bubbles 01-24-11

The coldest temperatures measured in the last three years on the mountain allowed the summit crew to have a little fun. After some trial and error, a solution of dish soap, sugar, and water was found to create bubbles that would freeze before hitting the ground. With air temperatures outside around 33 below zero, and winds at nearly hurricane force, the "experiment" was attempted in several different sheltered locations at the Sherman Adams State Park Building where temperatures were a few degrees warmer. One of the locations was warm enough that one could actually see the bubbles crystallizing, while the second location was several degrees colder, and the bubbles froze almost immediately.

Mount Washington Observatory is a nonprofit, membership-supported research and educational institution with a mission to advance understanding of the natural systems that create Earth's weather and climate. Since 1932, the Observatory has been observing Mount Washington's incredible extremes, conducting scientific research, educating the public about the science of weather and climate and amassing one of North America's longest and most unique climate records. For weather reports, webcams, photos and more, visit MountWashington.org.

Thanks for watching!

Our recipe for the bubble solution is as follows:

3 Teaspoons Dawn dish soap
1/2-1 Teaspoon Sugar
1-2 Teaspoons of hot water
Mix gently so as not to make bubbles in the solution

• Category

  Science & Technology

[kinglynx]

STOP MOVING THE CAMERA WHEN IT LANDS I WANA SEE WHAT HAPPENS

[MWOObserver]

Filming a floating bubble while trying to zoom in on it at the same time is quite difficult. Doing that all while wearing fairly heavy gloves because it's more than 30 degrees below zero makes it even more difficult. We tried to get the best footage we could.

[NineTailsDemonFox]

can you credit your music please? I've yet to know what artists you used for your music.

[MWOObserver]

All the music used in this video is stock iMovie music. Because of that, I'm not sure who the artists are that made the music.

[MWOObserver]

A couple things in response to that statement. First of all, the Mount Washington Observatory is a private, non-profit, member supported science, research, and education organization. We are funded mainly through our nearly 4,000 members, as well as corporate sponsors such as Eastern Mountain Sports and Subaru, and lastly through research grant money. We are not directly funded by taxpayer money, and we are not part of the National Weather Service.

[Lolumidk343]

It's intersesting. But did you really put thousands of dollars of research money to make frozen bubbles? I mean, my cousin lives in Alaska. I could do that for free!

[un1b4ll]

I do enjoy a little porn music with my frozen bubbles.

[lisagubbels1]

Pretty so cool its like a snowflake in a bubbel

[loop hole]

You can do it in a huge meet freezer lol ive all reddy tryed

[moonshadow112358]

THAT IS ONE OF THE COOLEST THINGS I HAVE EVER SEEN! EVER!

[Josh Peel]

yes but you look away when it lands. do not do this

[Cameron Carey]

canadians

[xSaviyon]

omnomnom

[ziomallex1]

just put camera on floor