Death Of Essence
Lucy Marwood | @lucy_uncaptures
It is hard to see still water in action; however, the untimely death of this Orange-rimmed Satin Moth (Thalaina selenaea; Queenstown, Tasmania) reminds us that surface tension is always present, but only tends to reveal itself when acting on a structure. Here, the hydrophobic wing scales undergo disaggregation (not dissolution), giving the wing edges a visually frayed quality as the pigmented scales separate and drift slowly away. Surface tension draws water into microscopic gaps beneath exposed edges of the overlapping scales, where cohesive forces create curvature-driven lifting effects. These forces physically lift and detach the weakly anchored scales from the clear membrane below, dispersing them into suspension. When repulsion meets cohesion, something has to give — and in this case, it is the wing scales. Water wins, again.
BEAKER STREET SCIENCE PHOTOGRAPHY PRIZE
This photograph was a finalist in Beaker Street’s annual Science Photography Prize. This highly-respected prize invites amateur and professional photographers to showcase the wonders of our extraordinary part of the world — which is teeming with science and scientists. Finalist images are displayed at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery during Beaker Street Festival each August, with great prizes on offer for Judges’ and People’s Choice winners.
The Beaker Street Science Photography Prize is sponsored by Pennicott Foundation — thank you crew! It would not be possible without the support of Full Gamut, Tasmania’s premier fine art printers, as well as the wonderful Tasmanian businesses who donate prizes.
