The next time you are annoyed that your shoes get soaked during an early morning stroll across the yard, take a closer look at what is happening underfoot… Because, in the right light, the morning dew is magical!
Dew is moisture formed via condensation- water moving from a vapor (gaseous form) to a liquid- due to a drop in the nighttime temperature. This moisture was once held in the surrounding air as water vapor (think humidity), but as the overnight temperatures drop the air's water-vapor-holding capacity diminishes. When the temperature reaches the dew point (or dew point temperature), the water vapor condenses into liquid droplets and is deposited on grass or other structures. This process is dependent on many factors, including location and ambient conditions. Grass or other surfaces close to the ground receive a large portion of dew, in part, because of the ground's ability to retain both moisture and daytime heat and the relatively large surface of grasses.
The shape the dew takes is dependent on the amount of condensation and the surface properties of where the condensation is deposited, like surface geometry and smoothness. Smaller dewdrops tend to stay spherical (due to surface tension), but as more dew accumulates the condensation surface properties dictate the patterns and shapes. So, thin pointy blades of grass offer a host of sites for a hidden world of spherical Suessical whimsy. Yay, another reason not to mow- in case you are looking for an excuse.
Dew(drops) on grasses may replace raindrops on roses as one of the favorite things after seeing these close-up images. All photos were taken using a hand-held cell phone (iPhone8 with no attachments or filters).