Moments in the Mirror
James Britton
Category: Shows a scientific principle
White-faced Heron (Egretta novaehollandiae) Tamar Valley Wetlands. Reflection is the phenomenon where light or other forms of energy bounce off a surface and return to the observer. In the case of this photograph, light waves hitting the bird’s image on the water’s surface bounce back to our eyes, creating a mirrored representation of the bird. This occurs due to the laws of optics, specifically the angle of incidence being equal to the angle of reflection. Reflection is crucial in various scientific fields, from optics to acoustics, playing a fundamental role in understanding how waves behave when encountering different surfaces and mediums.
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.
