No. The Snow Outside Isn’t a Plastic Nanobot Government Chemtrail Conspiracy, Dummies. Let Us Explain

This is a real conversation we have to have? Seriously?

Recommended Videos

Before you post that video of yourself “burning” that “chemtrail snow” outside to prove your insane conspiracy theory — stop. Don’t. Read this first and learn how snow works, lest you run the risk of looking like a stupid person on the Internet. That burning snow outside? Yeah. That’s just regular snow.

First. Here’s a video of some dumb people drawing completely unfounded conclusions from their “experiment.”

I’m not doubting the authenticity of their video. That’s exactly what happens when you hold a lighter to snow. Here’s noted smart person Phil Plait from the Bad Astronomer blog to explain what’s happening.

Snow is absorbent. When you hold a lighter to it, it melts. Then the liquid water gets absorbed into the rest of the snow. That black mark is from the burning butane from the lighter, and the smell of burning plastic could also be the butane, but it can just as easily be from putting a flame near whatever container people are using to hold the snow.

Not everything is a conspiracy.

(via Bad Astronomy, image via Lisa Lawley)

Meanwhile in related links


The Mary Sue is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more
related content
Read Article Entomologist Brought to Tears in Response to Her Positive Book Reviews
Dr. Megan Wilkerson book: A to Z Bug Facts Coloring Book: Explore 28 Insects With 60+ Unique Facts
Read Article Important Science Alert! NASA Just Sent a Cat Video From Space!
An orange cat chases a laser on a couch with technical graphics superimposed on the image.
Read Article Scientists Make Major Breakthrough in Treating Morning Sickness
A young pregnant woman of African decent sits on a sofa in the comfort of her own home as she cradles her belly with her hands. She is dressed casually as she looks down at her belly with anticipation.
Read Article Guess What? We’re Bringing the Dodo Back!
The dodo from the animated Alice in Wonderland, smoking a pipe.
Read Article New U.S. Climate Report Paints a Desperate Need for Change
Joe Biden delivers remarks during a climate event at the White House
Related Content
Read Article Entomologist Brought to Tears in Response to Her Positive Book Reviews
Dr. Megan Wilkerson book: A to Z Bug Facts Coloring Book: Explore 28 Insects With 60+ Unique Facts
Read Article Important Science Alert! NASA Just Sent a Cat Video From Space!
An orange cat chases a laser on a couch with technical graphics superimposed on the image.
Read Article Scientists Make Major Breakthrough in Treating Morning Sickness
A young pregnant woman of African decent sits on a sofa in the comfort of her own home as she cradles her belly with her hands. She is dressed casually as she looks down at her belly with anticipation.
Read Article Guess What? We’re Bringing the Dodo Back!
The dodo from the animated Alice in Wonderland, smoking a pipe.
Read Article New U.S. Climate Report Paints a Desperate Need for Change
Joe Biden delivers remarks during a climate event at the White House
Author
Glen Tickle
Glen is a comedian, writer, husband, and father. He won his third-grade science fair and is a former preschool science teacher, which is a real job.