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A snow cannon (also called snowgun or snow maker) is a device used to produce Snow artificially. The term ''artificial snow'' is mistakenly used for the produced snow; a more accurate term would be ''man-made snow''. It relies on Atomizing Water with Compressed Air and allowing it to Condense into snow. This device is often used by ski hills and Ski Resort s to supplement naturally occurring snow and extend the Skiing season.

A snow cannon usually consists of a water nozzle onto which a high pressure jet of Air is blown. Water flows from the nozzle and the jet of air causes the water to break up into tiny droplets (almost a Fog ). If the surrounding Air Temperature is near or below Freezing , the droplets of water tend to Evaporate and rapidly cool. This method only works when the ambient air is at 0 ° C (32 ° F ) or lower.

If the Humidity is low (10%), artificial snow can be made when the temperature is as high as 3.3 °C (38 °F). This is possible because of the rapid evaporation and evaporative cooling caused by the low humidity.

Homemade snow cannons are gaining in popularity. One can create a simple backyard snowgun, usable in temperatures below 0 ° C .


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