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October 3rd, 2026

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Weird Science

News of the Weird

By News of the Weird

Published Oct. 2, 2026

Weird Science

• KTVX-TV reports that snow in the mountains of Utah is turning pink, red and orange --- what scientists call "watermelon snow."

Experts said the colored snow results from blooming green algae, which is found in mountain ranges. "The snow algae produce a pigment that basically darkens their cells," said Scott Hotaling, an assistant professor at Utah State University’s department of watershed sciences.

Basically, the algae turn colors to protect themselves. One young visitor said the snow turned his shoes orange. "I thought that was pretty cool," he said.

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