Patches of grass were converted into blank canvases, car parks transformed into message boards, flags of the European embassies on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin and a giant heart made sure Canberra was visible from space on Monday.
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National institutions, ambassadors and more than 120 schools put their design skills to the test for National Science Week, as a satellite orbited over the capital to take the world's biggest 'satellite selfie'.
While most events have gone online, the selfie provided an opportunity for Canberrans to get together and interact with the wonders of spaceflight.
The National Museum of Australia used 72 red blankets to create a heart and "send a message of love, support, care to our community during this time of COVID", senior public programmer Alana Sivell said.
The eye-catching display is 13 metres by 15 metres in length and positioned near the museum's Paddle Steamer Enterprise on Lake Burley Griffin.
Ms Sivell said the community support was unexpected, and the selfie became "a really creative and exciting way for people to learn about the capabilities of satellites with a really fun event to contribute".
The Australian Academy of Science joined in the initiative, using 100 towels to write 'Science Will Solve This' across The Shine Dome car park.
The academy hopes the slogan will serve as a reminder of the "important role of scientists as the world navigates the COVID-19 pandemic," a spokesperson said.
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Representatives of the European Union got in on the fun with a circle of 27 state-member flags spread across the Rond Terrace.
While a striking red poppy was painted on the green grass of the Australian War Memorial, with the words "Lest We Forget" scrawled below the iconic image.
A second flyover will occur around 10.30am on Wednesday, with a final satellite selfie scheduled to take place on Friday.
National Science Week will involve hundreds of virtual events this year, with families encouraged to visit the events website to discover what's on offer.
On Wednesday night, geotechnical engineer Alexandra Radulovich will share her the story of career in science in the Why Girls Totally Rock forum, while the ANU's Dr Brad Tucker will host a live astronomy webinar on Thursday.
