Aurora Australis
Bridie Taylor
This photo was captured at the bridge going over the Macquarie River on Woolmers Lane, Longford. The horizon danced with green beams for hours and the night sky was so clear with hardly any clouds covering the view. It was absolutely breathtaking and I’m extremely humbled to of been able to capture such a beautiful occurrence.
The Aurora Australis is a natural light display that is caused by high-energy particles from the sun cascading down on earth. As they near our planet, they interact with Earth’s magnetic field, which channels them towards the north and south magnetic poles. This gives us the “Southern Lights (Aurora Australis)” and the “Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)”.
We are so fortunate to be able to see the Southern Lights from almost everywhere in our beautiful state Tasmania, if facing south when the phenomenon occurs.
BEAKER STREET SCIENCE PHOTOGRAPHY PRIZE
This photograph was a finalist in Beaker Street’s annual Science Photography Prize. This highly-respected prize invites all Tasmanians 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 would not be possible without the support of Full Gamut, Tasmania’s premier fine art printers and long-time sponsor of this competition. Many thanks also go to Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, which donates a generous prize for the People’s Choice winner.
