Where were you on 25 August this year between 10.08 and 10.09am? If the answer is participating in Australia’s and the ACT’s first ‘Satellite Selfie’ then we’ve got great news for you.
From marriage proposals, to giant wildlife, blazing red poppies and rallying calls for the power of science, Australia’s largest ever satellite selfie back in August has captured some incredible images from the ACT and the Northern Territory.
Now Australians everywhere can view photos captured by the nation’s first selfie from space through a searchable, online map.
The satellite captured a range of stunning images of distinct designs put together by families, schools, businesses, workplaces and cultural institutions across the ACT and Northern Territory.
ANU astrophysicist Dr Brad Tucker said he was thrilled to see hundreds of people “get their space face on and strike a pose” for the flyover.
“This is historic and a satellite flyover on this large of a scale has never been attempted in the world before, let alone Australia,” he said.
“So it’s marvellous to see so many people get behind this innovative initiative that has not only captured a unique moment in time, but shown just how colourful, creative, hopeful and expressive Australians are.
“To see the ideas school kids came up with, and the people in the streets outside their homes, it has been a wonderful celebration of science and all of us.
“We have a unique snapshot of what Canberra was up to between 10:08 and 10:09am on Tuesday 25 August 2020.”
In total, the flyover covered 845 square kilometres in the ACT and surrounds and 1,326 square kilometres of the Northern Territory, capturing 107 images and 86GB worth of data.
Highlights include a love heart next to Earth in Kambah; “Go Perseverance”, a message to Mars’ new rover in the street of Hughes, a massive sign for ‘Henry’s’ 17th birthday in a paddock in Gungahlin; ‘G’Day’ on a school oval in Katherine, a giant turtle made by school students in Darwin, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags on Fellows Oval at ANU.
The ‘Satellite Selfie’ flyover took place as part of National Science Week.
Brittany Carter, co-chair of the ACT National Science Week Committee said she was “overwhelmed by the level of involvement from the public in this event”.
“It has been great to see everyone engaging with science and their community,” she said.
“National Science Week is a chance for people to celebrate science and technology in their own backyard and this year they could literally do that.”
The ACT flyover covered Canberra, Tharwa, Royalla, Sutton, Bungendore, Queanbeyan, Googong, Yass and Murrumbateman.
The Northern Territory flyover covered Darwin and Palmerston, Pine Creek, Katherine, Nhulunbuy, Yirrkala, Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Jilkmingan, Mataranka, Barunga, Beswick, Manyallaluk, Jabiru, Gunbalanya, Batchelor, Adelaide River, Ramingining and Ngukurr.
Each flyover was completed by US-based space technology company Maxar Technologies.
People can search and download images from the ‘Satellite Selfie’ here.
Everyone is encouraged to share their selfie on social media using #SatelliteSelfie
About ‘Satellite Selfie’
‘Satellite Selfie’ was presented by the Where You Are Festival with the support of the ACT Government and co-hosted by The Australian National University. The Satellite Selfie also formed part of National Science Week in the ACT which took place from 15 to 23 August, with support from the Australian Government.
