G' Day Mates! I'm glad to see that you all landed safely in Uluru, Northern Territory, Australia.
I hope you enjoyed your time in Sydney, Australia! For the next few days we are going to be exploring one the the most iconic sites in Australia, which is Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park! Anyone want to try to pronounce that name? Here follow these steps.. (oo-la- rue) Uluru, (Kah- tah) Kata, (jew-tah) Tjuta National Park. Now say that ten times fast!
This rock is known by the locals as Uluru, but the early Europeans called it Ayers Rock. This site is a scared site to the aboriginal people because it is used to preform rituals and hold family gatherings to this day. The aboriginals were drawn to this giant rock because it appears to change colors through out the day. I want my explorers to think for a minute.... Is this rock changing colors itself?
hmmmm...? Take a look at the video and predict!
Well, if you said yes, I'm sorry but there is not a magical rock in this desert. This changing of color has to with the earth's atmosphere and the Sun's rays! So, when the Sun is low in the sky the atmosphere acts like a giant prism, splitting the Sun's rays into a color spectrum. The light reaching Uluru during sunrise and sunset is mainly from the red end of the spectrum and the reflection from the rock and clouds. The reddish brown color of the rocks and surrounding sand enhance these effects. Watch the video again to see it happen right before you eyes!
Phew! This heat is really getting to me. Let me check the temperature. Oh WOW its 38 degrees Celsius! hmmm I feel another question explorers... answer in the comments!
What is 38 degrees Celsius in Fahrenheit?
We can't forget about the other sacred site called Kata Tjuta!
About 80% of people that visit Uluru never see Kata Tjuta and honestly I am loving it even more than Uluru! The aboriginal people use Kata Tjuta as a religious site, but is exclusively only for men. Kata Tjuta is a large group of dome formations that are left over from a mountain range millions of years ago. Look at the Sun rays reflecting off Kata Tjuta!
Well mates it's time for us to explore some more on our own!
I'll catch you at the next destination,
Ms. Crummet
PS: Don't forget to bring your snorkel mask! You will be needing it very soon.
I loved reading this blog post! I like how you incorporated questions and videos to keep everyone engaged. I have been to Sydney, so it was interesting to see your discoveries from a different part of Aussie. 100 degrees Fahrenheit!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I loved Sydney! I was there New Years Eve for the fireworks display. Maybe you will see some familiar places from your travels in Australia!
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