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LiveScience
LiveScience
Harry Baker

Ethereal ice structures swirl alongside Chicago during extreme cold snap fueled by polar vortex — Earth from space

A satellite photo showing ethereal ice swirls along the shoreline of Chicago in Winter.
QUICK FACTS

Where is it? Chicago, Illinois [41.85802928, -87.57938545]

What's in the photo? Ice swirling around the edge of Lake Michigan

Which satellite took the photo? Landsat 8

When was it taken? Jan. 24, 2025

This striking satellite photo shows rippling ribbons of ethereal ice swirling like turbulent clouds on the surface of Lake Michigan, alongside a snow-covered Chicago. The wintery scene occurred during an extreme cold snap triggered by changes to the polar vortex, experts say.

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