In the heart of our local community, we’ve had the extraordinary privilege of witnessing firsthand the intersection of art, science and history. A recent visit from a long-time customer introduced us to a truly out-of-this-world project, one that pushed the boundaries of imagination and technology.
A Journey to the Edge of Space
A bright, young student from the Hunter School of the Performing Arts (HSPA) embarked on a remarkable journey to the edge of Earth’s atmosphere. As part of their HSC STEM elective, they launched a weather balloon from the regional town of Nyngan, a bold endeavour that combined scientific curiosity with a touch of local pride. This audacious project would not have been possible without the support of partners such as DIYODE magazine, a publication for electronics enthusiasts.
The choice of Nyngan as the launch site was strategic. It offered the opportunity to collaborate with a regional community and provided a clear trajectory, avoiding both oceanic expanses and major urban areas.
Capturing the Cosmos
A suite of instruments, including cameras, GPS trackers and a thermometer, were carefully attached to the balloon. These devices captured invaluable atmospheric data, transmitted via satellite, and provided a real-time glimpse into the upper reaches of our planet. Also enclosed was an Australian flag and school emblem which become perfect mementos from this project.
|
|
The Stratospheric Payload
The balloon was filled with 3.5 cubic metres of helium making its take-off size 2 meters wide. As the balloon ascended, it swelled to an impressive 10 meters in diameter reaching a height of 28km, twice the altitude of a commercial airliner, before bursting as planned and releasing its payload. The released contents were located using GSP so the data about changes in atmospheric pressure, air temperature, altitude and speed of movement from the wind could be recovered, along with the spectacular photographs.
Preserving the Extraordinary
Once the balloon’s celestial voyage concluded, our customer brought mementos from this extraordinary journey to our Warners Bay frame store. The challenge was clear; to create frames that would celebrate this significant achievement.
We chose a simple, elegant black frame. Its understated design allowed the items to take centre stage, emphasising the awe-inspiring nature of the project. The layout was carefully considered, with the Earth photo positioned as the focal point, visually representing the vastness of the endeavour. Extra matboard openings were positioned to showcase the mementos; an Australian flag and school emblem along with details about the voyage.
Six frames were created, each a unique piece of history, presented to those who contributed to this remarkable project. It was a privilege to be part of this extraordinary journey, to frame this piece of history, and to preserve a moment of inspiration that soared beyond the stars.
All Frame Today stores are more than just a frame shop; we are custodians of memories, art and history. We are honoured to have played a small role in preserving this incredible adventure, a testament to the power of human ingenuity and the boundless potential of our planet.
