Life in Light
Jamie Buchanan
“Bioluminescence” is derived from the word-roots BIO, meaning ‘life’, and LUMIN, meaning “light”. Noctiluca scintillans is a bioluminescent dinoflagellate, also commonly known as Sea Sparkle because it glows neon-blue at night when agitated. Noctiluca scintillans are so small that one drop of water can contain thousands of these single-celled organisms.
Just as light illuminated life in the cosmos at the beginning of time, so too does the Noctiluca scintillans, showing an electric display of life by illuminating the darkness of the ocean waters at night.
Spiky Beach on Tasmania’s East Coast.
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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.
