Science was doing such an admirable job for humanity until the guys and gals in lab coats committed an unspeakable act in 1988: The National Center for Atmospheric Research photographed two identical snowflakes. That last certain evidence of real life magic in the world finally fell, debunked. And now I can never again in good conscience pass along to a child that most amazing factoid that amazed me when I was assured as a child: “No two snowflakes are ever alike.” Turns out that whole perfect six–fold radial symmetry of snowflakes hype is also a hoax. The symmetry is never perfect. In fact, less than 0.1% of snowflakes come in ideal six–fold symmetric shapes. OK, already, I get it. “Science marches on.” But snowflakes are still exquisitely beautiful. They can never take that away from me.