Below are some excerpts from the descriptions of the original pictures that, depending on the eportfolio theme, show up as the site header and logo. I picked these images for their relatively simple compositions that wouldn’t compete with any text. For example, each work has a repeating single geometric shape (square, circle) and limited color palette, which creates the appearance of negative space when text is placed on it and therefore won’t be too busy for most screens.
When looking for pictures to use, I checked two places, Bing Homepage Gallery and NASA. Every day, each site showcases a high-res photograph of nature, science and tech, or architecture, and often makes the work available for download. I also like the descriptions used for the images – each site or space is very specific location, graphic, or with the case of NASA, taken with unusual equipment – meaning that most of the photos require some kind of explanation.
While these might simply be understood as a caption or description of what the pictures depict, it might be useful to think about these descriptions as an example of science journalism. What kind of scientific literacy is required for someone to understand these descriptions? Are these good examples of writing for a general audience? What could be improved? Read on to see the full-sized images and their descriptions!
Logo Image: Anechoic chamber, Copenhagen, Denmark
Anechoic chambers are most commonly used to test the noise levels made by electronic and mechanical devices during normal operation. The pyramid-like foam protrusions on the walls and ceiling are designed to reduce the reflection of sound waves so that when the chamber is closed, any sound occurring within the chamber can be recorded and measured as accurately as possible.
Read more about this picture: Anechoic chamber, Copenhagen, Denmark via Bing Homepage Galleries
Logo Image Credit: Alastair Philip Wiper/Science Photo Library via Bing Homepage Gallery.
Header Image: Plugging Away Inside Massive SLS Fuel Tank: Welders Complete Final Plug Fusion Welds on SLS Liquid Hydrogen Tank
Welders inside a large liquid hydrogen tank for NASA’s Space Launch System at the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans are plugging holes left after the tank was assembled. Using frictional heating and forging pressure, friction stir welding produces high-strength bonds virtually free of defects. The process transforms metals from a solid state into a “plastic-like” state and uses a rotating pin tool to soften, stir and forge a bond between two metal sections to form a uniform welded joint.
Read the rest of the description at NASA.gov.
Header Image Credit: NASA/Michoud/Steve Seipel.
