Skeletonema
Luke Brokensha
Category: Utilises Microscopy
Winner of the Judges’ Choice Award
This image was taken using a Scanning Electron Microscope. These are two chained cells of a diatom called Skeletonema. You can see how the two cells are linked in the middle, as if they are holding hands. Diatoms are microscopic organisms that live in the oceans and lakes of the world. They can replicate themselves and form long chains, and they also turn sunlight into oxygen for us to breath through photosynthesis. Diatoms are believed to provide 20% of all the worlds oxygen! This chain was discovered inside the dissected stomach of an Antarctic Krill, found at the bottom of the sea near the Antarctic Continent.
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.
