Kenneth Libbrecht is a professor of physics and physics department chair at the California Institute of Technology. Dr. Libbrecht’s research activities over the years have cover a broad range of topics in physics and astrophysics, including helioseismology (the study of global oscillations in the Sun), stellar seismology, laser cooling and trapping of neutral atoms, diode laser technology, the physics of crystal growth, and the search for gravitational radiation from astrophysical sources.

Libbrecht’s interest in the molecular dynamics of crystal growth led him to a detailed study of how ice crystals grow from water vapor, which is essentially the physics of snowflakes. This ongoing study seeks to clarify the mechanisms governing crystal formation, and to better understand how complex patterns emerge in growing crystals and other seemingly simple physical systems. Libbrecht has published several books of his snowflake images. Visit MOA’s indoor gallery to view or purchase a book.