Marriage proposal a moment in space and time from satellite selfie

Did Lily say yes to the marriage proposal that was out of this world?

The question remains unanswered but the marriage proposal was one of the thousands of images taken from a satellite over the Canberra region as part of Australia’s largest-ever selfie.

From giant wildlife, blazing red poppies and rallying calls for the power of science, the event captured some incredible images from the ACT.

Now Australians everywhere can view photos captured by the nation’s first selfie from space through a searchable, online map.

The Satellite Selfie flyover took place on 25 August as part of the Where You Are Festival presented by RISE Canberra and supported by the ACT Government. It was organised by the National Science Week committee and the Australian National University as part of National Science Week.

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 scale has never been attempted in the world before, let alone Australia,” Dr Tucker said.

“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 10:09 am on 25 August 2020.”

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.

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 86 GB worth of data.

Highlights include a love heart next to Earth in Kambah, the words “Go Perseverance” as a message to Mars’ new rover in the street of Hughes, a massive sign for “Henry’s” 17th birthday in a paddock in Gungahlin (happy belated birthday, Henry); “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.

Co-chair of the ACT National Science Week Committee Brittany Carter said she was overwhelmed by the level of involvement from the public.

“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.

Each flyover was completed by US-based space technology company Maxar Technologies.

People can search and download images from the Satellite Selfie and organisers are encouraging everyone to share their selfie on social media using #SatelliteSelfie.

Original Article published by Michael Weaver on The RiotACT.