How to create remarkable frozen bubbles in winter
Blowing bubbles that turn into orbs of ice can be done at home when the weather is right, and only requires a few common household items.
Freezing cold temperatures gripped Graceville, Minnesota, on the morning of Dec. 1. It was cold enough that this bubble froze and ice crystals started forming, eventually turning into an ice globe.
Cold winter weather can lead to amazing spectacles, such as pancake ice on frozen lakes and thunderous frost quakes amid a frigid landscape, but one picturesque scene requires some human intervention.
Blowing bubbles that turn into orbs of ice can be done at home when the weather is cold enough, and are asier to create than many people think.
Frozen soap bubble with a beautiful pattern on the snow close-up on a blurry blue background. (Volha Maksimava/Getty Images)
What you need to make frozen bubbles
People attempting to make frozen bubbles can use regular bubble solution, but for the best results, it is recommended to make a homemade solution of 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of corn syrup and 2 tablespoons of dish soap.
These three ingredients are common in most households and produce the most consistent results when compared to a regular bubble solution.
However, there is one ingredient that only Mother Nature can supply.
For bubbles to freeze before they pop, temperatures need to be well below freezing. For the best results, temperatures should be in the single digits or below zero degrees F.
It is possible for some ice to begin to form on bubbles when temperatures are in the lower 30s, 20s and teens, but it will take longer for the ice to start to form and the bubble may pop before the ice is noticeable.
Winds should also be calm when attempting this experiment as the wind causes bubbles to pop quicker. Additionally, the wind can cause the bubbles to blow far away from you before they land and begin to freeze.
This experiment can create beautiful scenes on a cold winter day with the proper camera and ideal weather conditions.
Use a cookie cutter to watch ice crystals form
The same solution can be used to make "frozen cookies." Try dipping a cookie cutter in the mixture and watch the ice take shape before your eyes.
Ice crystals in a cookie cutter. (Image: Mike Shaw via Storyful)
A macro shot of a frozen soap bubble on freshly fallen snow, at sunset. You can clearly see the structure of the freezing frost and purple and green colours in the soap bubble.(Getty Images)
Close up image of soap bubble freezing in the snow on a winter's day. (Getty Images)
Frozen soap bubble look like nature's crystal snow globes. (Oksana Schmidt/ Getty Images)
Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app.AccuWeather Alerts™ are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
Report a Typo
