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Today in History: Wilson Bentley captures first photograph of snowflake

1/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On January 15, 1885, Wilson Alwyn Bentley, known as Snowflake Bentley, captured the first photograph of a snowflake using a bellows camera attached to a microscope. His innovative technique allowed him to document the intricate details of snowflakes, supporting his theory that no two snowflakes are alike. Bentley's work laid the foundation for snowflake photography.

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Story summary

On January 15, 1885, Wilson Alwyn Bentley, known as Snowflake Bentley, captured the first photograph of a snowflake using a bellows camera attached to a microscope. His innovative technique allowed him to document the intricate details of snowflakes, supporting his theory that no two snowflakes are alike. Bentley's work laid the foundation for snowflake photography.