Jeff Miller’s photograph is the 2027 Australian Weather Calendar’s November photo
As freezing winds swept across the deck of the Australian Antarctic Program icebreaker Nuyina, only two people ventured outside to watch the sunset over remote Heard Island.
One of them was a shivering Jeff Miller, with his phone out, capturing a rare sunset over one of the most remote places on Earth.
The photograph was taken during a scientific voyage to Heard Island, a remote volcanic island in the Southern Indian Ocean.
“I looked up at the mountain before going to dinner and just had a feeling it could really be a stunning sunset,” Jeff said.
Stepping onto the helideck shortly before sunset, he watched as lenticular clouds formed above Big Ben, Heard Island’s towering stratovolcano.
“It was bitter cold that evening because it was so windy,” he said.
“I think only myself and one other person went outside.”
The conditions were so harsh that Jeff left his usual camera indoors.
“It was so cold. I’m not taking out my digital SLR. I’m just going to have to capture whatever it is with my phone because my hands are just going to be too cold.”
The decision paid off. Taken on an iPhone, the photograph captures a spectacular display of lenticular clouds glowing above the island at sunset.
By day, Jeff works as part of the Australian Antarctic Program’s resupply team, helping ensure Antarctic and sub-Antarctic research stations receive the fuel they need each year.
While the sunset was unforgettable, Jeff said simply being able to visit Heard Island was a highlight in itself.
“Seeing Heard Island is just insane because it’s so remote. So few people get there,” he said.
“It was absolutely stunning. It lived up to expectations.”
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