Dallas, TX, USA, and the South Pole share one thing – it is likely to reach 100 degrees there in July.And while the South Pole also will hit 100 degrees in July, it will be 100 degrees below zero.Colder than any deep-freezer, this temperature can instantly freeze any exposed skin in mere seconds.
Even with these conditions, twenty-eight people commit six months to living at the South Pole. They have to deal with no sunlight, very little contact with the world, and no way to escape.This team works to maintain the U.S. polar base and to control the telescopes and other scientific devices located at the research station.Advancements in technology and communications are changing their work.
Astronomers in North America can remotely operate the telescope in the observatories of the South Pole.This made history as the first time a South Pole telescope was controlled from another continent.It is the dream of astronomers to be able to watch the universe from the South Pole’s telescope while controlling it completely from a warmer climate.Antarctic Cruising Tours
People in Antarctica deal with the coldest, driest, and windiest conditions on Earth.Its elevation is the highest of the continents, making breathing sometimes difficult.These harsh conditions have led certain animals that survive there to adapt specifically to the cold including seals, penguins and tundra vegatation.
Those who accept the risk of working during the Antarctic winter are called “winter-overs.”For entertainment, they have to rely on a large variety of videos, a small exercise room, a pool table, great food, and traditions.Normally, winter-overs do not speak much about what occurs during their winter months of isolation at the South Pole, from February to October.antarctica holiday
One challenge faced by this crew is that the research program at the South Pole has continually grown and the research station is facing a great challenge in having a steady and consistent electrical supply.The three oil-powered generators at the station have been unable to meet the energy demands of the computers, lasers, telescopes, and other devices dependent upon power sources.This causes winter-overs to have to deal with insufficient power, in conjunction with cramped quarters and cold buildings.
To help spend the time, several traditions have grown into existence.In order to be part of the “300 Club,” there needs to be temperatures less than 100 degrees below zero.The members heat the sauna up to 200 degrees.They then sprint from the 200 degree sauna into the minus 100 degree air and back again.
Airdrop is also a very greatly expected occurrence.This occurs in June. It is the drop of pallets of food, mail, and supplies by a U.S. Air National Guard military transport plane.The winter-overs quickly go outside, utilize heavy equipment, and bring the supplies inside.This is the closest winter-overs are able to come to physical contact with the outside world during the six month winter.
Winter-overs spend their six months without a single tree or without traveling very far from their camp at all.Each crew member gets a one week vacation to the United States’ main Antarctic base, McMurdo Station.While here, the winter-overs are able to camp out in the 25-degree climate, bake in the sun, and relax in t-shirts and jeans.
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