What shape will blood drops take when they fall at an angle less than 90 degrees?

When blood drops fall at an angle of less than 90 degrees, they typically take on a more oval or elongated shape. This phenomenon occurs due to the physics of surface tension and the forces acting on the droplet as it impacts a surface. At lower angles, such as those found in trajectories less than vertical, the drop will spread out more in the direction of the fall, resulting in an elongated shape rather than a perfect circle.

The shape of the blood spatter can provide valuable forensic insights into the angle of impact and the dynamics of the blood's journey, which can be critical in crime scene investigations. Understanding these shapes helps in reconstructing events that led to the stains, assisting investigators in piecing together narratives of what transpired.