Pretty bubbles in the snow

Since the snow arrived we've been learning about Antarctica. 

Explorers such as Henry Hudson noticed that unexpected things often happen to common materials in the very cold Arctic climate.

Today was definitely cold enough to try this bubble experiment.

If you blow bubbles on a very cold day they act differently to bubbles blown on a warm day. They  don't float around, but shatter in mid air.
It wasn't quite cold enough(!) this morning, so we blew bubbles into the freezer, there is a definite 'pop' as they shatter.

 We tried blowing bubbles again later, and saw more of the shattering effect.

When the bubble is blown in cold air, tiny ice crystals form, which shatter the bubble. Also the warm air inside the bubble expands and the pressure increases.The cold air stops the expansion and often causes the bubble to shatter.

Reuben also found this icicle, which is now in the freezer for safe keeping.