Winter Reflections
Chelsea Bell
2020 will be remembered for a lot of things. But for this author, no day stands out quite so much as 4 August when Tasmania experienced a rare meteorological event. A pair of severe low-pressure systems and associated cold fronts to the south of Tasmania brought lightning, heavy rain and snowfall, and even thundersnow in parts of the state. The wild weather wreaked havoc on the state, closing highways and bringing snow down to sea-level at Launceston for the first time since the 1970s. In what felt like the calm before the storm that was to ensue later that day, there was nothing but calm as the sun rose over Edgar Pond in the South-west National Park near Lake Pedder. There wasn’t a breath of wind, valley fog had settled at the base of the Western Arthurs, and two black swans (Cygnus atratus), not known to frequent the National Park, appeared on the pond.
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.
