Electric ice
Researchers can produce "electric needle" crystals by applying a
high voltage to ice crystals growing on the end of a wire. Here,
two needles about 2 mm long are shown during their electrically
modified growth phase (far left). When the field is switched off
and the temperature is reduced to –15 °C, small stellar plates
start to grow on the ends of both needles (left). Using this
technique, researchers can grow elaborate stellar snow crystals
in the laboratory on the ends of electric needles (above).
Source: snowcrystals.com