The Rare Blue Supermoon: A Personal Glimpse from Alice Springs

As the evening approached and the blue moon emerged, I knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Living in Alice Springs, we’re privileged with some of the clearest skies in the world. Most days here gift us with azure skies devoid of clouds. Last night was no exception.

With the anticipation of the blue supermoon, my partner, a fellow photographer friend, and I geared up. We embarked on a trek up Mount Johns in Alice Springs, aiming to get the best vantage point. The result? A breathtaking snapshot of this rare phenomenon.

Blue Moon

To give some context to this celestial event:

  • Supermoon: A full moon at its closest point to earth, roughly 363,300km away.
  • Blue Moon: The occurrence of two full moons in a single month. This event takes place about 41 times in a century.

This spectacle becomes even more special when these two events converge, termed as a “blue supermoon.” As put by Macquarie University’s astrophysics professor, Richard de Grijs, a blue supermoon is when the second full moon in a month is also at its closest point to Earth.

 

Space expert Brad Tucker emphasized that “blue moon” denotes the frequency of the event, not the moon’s color. He pinpointed the optimal viewing times as sunset on August 30 and slightly later the subsequent day. – Which means if you missed it last night you can get a glimce of it tonight. 

 

Dr. Shannon Schmoll from Michigan State University sheds light on the phenomenon, explaining that the moon’s orbit around Earth isn’t perfectly round. When it’s closer during its full phase, it appears grander, causing a supermoon. Such blue supermoons visit our skies approximately once a decade, with the next one projected in 2029.

Red CentreNats – Official Photographer

Fast Cars, Super Hot Rods, Burnouts and machine muscle is the name of the game.

As part of the Red Centre SummerNats coming to Alice Springs I will be one of the official media crew and shooting for SummerNats so expect to seem some of my images in their up and coming magazine and on their website. 

GT 351

Rev those engines, Red CentreNATS (RCN) is back, and the program is packed with old favourites and new additions so motorsports enthusiasts can show off their wheels in even more ways. Thanks to the special permit system in place for RCN, they can also drive their highly modified, unregistered rides on the streets. RCN is the only place where this happens.

 
The Ultimate Festival of Wheels, which will take place from 1-3 September 2023 in Alice Springs, will see thousands descend on the town for Australia’s most unique automotive festival, with tyre-screeching, heart-thumping action across Alice Springs Inland Dragway, Blatherskite Park and Lasseters Centre of Entertainment.

There are plenty of new attractions for entrants and spectators alike. On Thursday, August 31, from 6pm-9pm, the Alice Springs CBD comes alive with the brand new Red CentreNATS Fringe Festival. Entrants on green and blue permits are free to drive their wheels into a special RCN precinct, including Todd Mall, for a show ‘n’ shine out the front of the Council Lawns. There will be plenty on, with food trucks, music and pop-up cinema creating a fun atmosphere for attendees.

Also new to the program this year is the Motorvation Super Cruise, where all entrants are invited to smoke the tyres and power skid down Alice Springs Inland Dragway and through the burnout pad on Sunday.

Rev heads can also take part in all their favourite RCN activities. They include checking out the amazing rides in the Elite Shed at the Showgrounds, the burnouts, the heavy hitter drag racing, the Shannons show ‘n’ shine, taking part in the Great Northern 4WD course, trying their hand at grass driving, or the Lasseters Motorkhana and – everyone’s favourite – being part of the famous Yeperenye Street Parade, which most of the town turns out to watch.

Red CentreNATS is brought to you by the Northern Territory Government through Northern Territory Major Events Company in association with Summernats.

Tickets for spectators and entrants are open now, with a three-day Chrome pass just $75. Visit www.redcentrenats.com.au

I have also opened up a few selected spots where people can get photos of their pride and joy in what is a unique part of the world. 

“Red CentreNATS delivers all the action motorsport lovers enjoy, in a truly unique location. This truly unique event attracts some of Australia’s rarest and most beautifully restored vehicles and their owners to Alice Springs to be a part of three days of motorsport fun.
Hundreds of interstate entrants stay in local accommodation, eat at local restaurants, and use RCN as a chance to experience sights and attractions across the region.
RCN 2022 was responsible for generating a total expenditure stimulus in the Northern Territory, of $6.9 million, and $6.2 million was new money to the Territory. The value of this event to the region is clear.”

Minister for Major Events Paul Kirby Tweet

Crikey, It’s a Sale! – Celebrating Memorial Day, Aussie Style!

G’day, mates and sheilas! We’ve all heard the old saying, “Never let the truth get in the way of a good story,” right? Well, in true Australian fashion, we’ve decided to never let a good opportunity go to waste, even if it means pinching an American holiday as an excuse to have a ripper of a sale. But hey, we’re doing it in support of our friends from across the pond, so that makes it alright, right?

 

We’re offering a bloody fantastic Memorial Day sale, and here’s the twist – the only thing that’s being memorialized is the price tag! We’re slashing it right in half, faster than a crocodile in a bunny burrow. This isn’t just any ol’ sale, we’re talking about a 50% discount on our stunning high-resolution images of the captivating Australian outback.

 

You might be thinking, “But I’m not an Aussie, why should I care about the outback?” Well, mate, these aren’t just any images, these are premium quality, digital images that capture the rugged beauty of the Land Down Under. Each image is in a convenient 3:2 ratio, which is as versatile as a kangaroo in a boxing ring. You can print these images in a variety of sizes, from a modest 6×4 inches to an imposing 36×24 inches. They’ll fit perfectly in your lounge, office, or even above your barbie!

 

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room (or should we say the roo in the room?). We know that the only outback you’re familiar with might be the steakhouse, but we promise, the Australian outback is much more breathtaking and far less calorific! Just imagine, an image of the sun-kissed MacDonnell Ranges in your living room or the vast wilderness gracing your office wall. It’s enough to make any wallaby weep with joy!

 

So, join us in this crazy, mixed-up celebration of Memorial Day, Aussie style. Because at the end of the day, who doesn’t love a good excuse for a sale, especially when it comes with a healthy dollop of cross-cultural camaraderie? Grab your digital slice of the outback while stocks last. And remember, you’re not just buying an image, you’re bagging yourself a piece of the Aussie spirit (photo frame not included)!

Cheers, and happy shopping!

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Jazz In the Desert Is To Die For!

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of dancing under the open sky, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the sounds of live jazz music. The annual Alice Springs Jazz in the Desert event, held at the breathtaking claypans, offers just that – an unforgettable experience that brings together music, dance, and the great outdoors. What makes this event even more special is its commitment to fundraising for important causes each year. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey through this one-of-a-kind event, where the vibrant energy of jazz meets the serene beauty of the Australian desert – all while making a difference in the world.

 

The Setting: Jazz at the Claypans

 

The Alice Springs claypans provide a truly unique and stunning setting for the Jazz in the Desert event. The rich, red soil creates a striking contrast against the blue sky, and the open space allows for a truly immersive experience. As the sun sets and the stars emerge, the claypans transform into a magical, open-air concert venue.

 

The Music: Jazz in the Desert

 

At the heart of the Alice Springs Jazz in the Desert event is the incredible live jazz music. Local musicians come together to perform a captivating mix of jazz standards and original compositions. The sound of fills the air, creating an irresistible urge to dance and celebrate the joy of music. The jazz band wraps up their performance at 5pm, an hour before dusk.

 

The Dance: Groove into the Night

 

Even after the jazz band finishes playing, the energy and excitement continue at the Alice Springs event. People keep dancing, playing, laughing, and enjoying the open and friendly environment. The infectious rhythm of the jazz music inspires everyone to join in, from experienced dancers to complete beginners. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, encouraging everyone to let loose and enjoy the exhilarating feeling of moving to the beat.

 

Making a Difference: Fundraising for Important Causes

 

What sets the annual Jazz in the Desert event apart is its commitment to supporting important causes through fundraising. Last year, the event raised over two thousand dollars to support Ukrainians against the onslaught of the Russian invasion. This year, the focus was on helping earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria, with the hope of surpassing last year’s fundraising amount.

The Power of CapturLife AI

 

Our featured photo of the Alice Springs Jazz in the Desert event has been expertly keyword-tagged using CapturLife AI technology. This cutting-edge system uses artificial intelligence to accurately tag each photo with relevant keywords, making it easy to find and organize images within an extensive image library. Moreover, the AI-generated tags enable effective search engine optimization (SEO) when images are uploaded to websites, ensuring they can be easily discovered by users searching online. Want to know more check out www.CapturLife.com

 

Beyond the Dance Floor

Aside from the dancing and music, the Alice Springs Jazz in the Desert event also offers a variety of other experiences. Guests can enjoy delicious food and drinks from local vendors, or take a break from dancing to explore the unique flora and fauna of the surrounding desert landscape.

 

The annual Alice Springs Jazz in the Desert event is a truly memorable experience that brings people together in a celebration of music, dance, and the beauty of the Australian outback, all while making a meaningful impact on global issues. Whether you’re a seasoned jazz lover or a curious spectator, the unforgettable atmosphere and breathtaking setting make this event a must-see for anyone visiting the region. So, put on your dancing shoes, and let the enchanting sounds of jazz and the serene beauty of the claypans sweep you off your feet – all for a good cause.

An ANZAC Day to Remember: Commemorating the Fallen in Alice Springs

ANZAC Day is a significant annual event in Australia and New Zealand, paying homage to the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who served and continue to serve in the armed forces. On April 25th, 2023, the people of Alice Springs came together to participate in various events and ceremonies to commemorate the fallen heroes and reflect upon the importance of unity and remembrance. In this blog, we take a closer look at the powerful images captured during these poignant moments in Alice Springs, as the community gathered at the Garden Cemetery War Memorial, Todd Mall, and ANZAC Hill.

Legacy Gunfire Breakfast

 

 

Before the break of dawn, at 5 am, Legacy, an organization providing support for the families of deceased and injured veterans, hosted a gunfire breakfast. This event allowed attendees to share a meal and conversation while honoring the memory of the fallen soldiers. The early morning gathering was a touching prelude to the dawn service, setting the stage for a day of reflection and remembrance.

Garden Cemetery War Memorial Dawn Service

 

As the sun began to rise, the community congregated at the Garden Cemetery War Memorial in Alice Springs for the traditional ANZAC Day dawn service at 6 am. The somber atmosphere was palpable, with candles illuminating the faces of those in attendance. Poppies and wreaths adorned the memorial, a silent tribute to the fallen heroes.

The photos taken during the dawn service portray the deep sense of reflection and gratitude shared by the community. The combination of the serene sunrise and the haunting sound of the Last Post created an unforgettable experience, emphasizing the importance of remembrance and the sacrifices made by those who came before us.

 

The Parade Down Todd Mall and Up to ANZAC Hill

Later in the day, a grand parade took place, with American, Australian military personnel marching in unison down Todd Mall and up to ANZAC Hill. The sight of these men and women, proudly displaying their flags and moving in perfect harmony, was an inspiring reminder of the alliance and friendship between the two nations. The parade not only showcased the military’s pride, honor, and respect for the sacrifices made in the past but also served as a testament to the ongoing commitment to peace and security for future generations.

The photo captured the essence of the parade, highlighting the tradition and ceremony that accompany such an important day. The marchers’ faces showed a mix of solemnity and determination, their expressions reflective of the gravity of the occasion. In the background, onlookers lined the streets, offering their support and gratitude to the veterans and active service members.

ANZAC Hill Memorial Ceremony

 

As the parade reached its destination at ANZAC Hill, participants and spectators alike gathered for a memorial ceremony honoring those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice. The breathtaking view from ANZAC Hill provided a fitting backdrop for this moving event, as attendees listened to speeches, observed moments of silence, and paid their respects through the laying of wreaths and poppies. 

 

The Australian Defence Force’s presence served as a reminder of the ongoing commitment to protecting the nation and the values it stands for.

The images taken during the ceremony captured the spirit of solidarity and reverence, as people from all walks of life came together to honor the fallen heroes. The Last Post and reveille, played by a bugler, punctuated the solemn atmosphere, reminding everyone of the sacrifices made in the name of freedom and democracy.

 

Conclusion

ANZAC Day 2023 in Alice Springs was a day filled with emotion, gratitude, and unity. The photographs captured during the various events and ceremonies throughout the day serve as a lasting reminder of the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who served in the armed forces