Living and working at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station is a unique experience. To give an idea of what the facility is really like, I will provide a short explanation together with a few images from the station.
The Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station as viewed when coming from the airplane runway.
The station sits in an elevated building, as any other kind of construction would be impossible in the Antarctic glacier that covers up much of the continent's interior. The building—a two-level facility with a capacity for 140 people—is actually very comfortable and even luxurious, considering the extreme environment that surrounds it. Aptly described as a technological and engineering marvel, the building was inaugurated in 2008 and replaces the old dome whose removal was completed in 2010. It features an elegant architectural design with a metallic gray color that conveys a futuristic look.
Main entrance to the station (i.e., Destination Alpha).
The Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station is run by the United States Antarctic Program (USAP) which in turn is funded by the United States National Science Foundation (NSF). The station—one of the three permanent US deployments in Antarctica—was established in 1956 as part of the International Geophysical Year. It was an era that saw renewed international interest in the study of the polar regions. The station hosts a number of ongoing research projects in areas such as astronomy, physics, meteorology and geology.
Massive steel doors with special lock-in mechanism.
First level main hall next to the cargo entrance (i.e., Destination Zulu).
The station hosts state-of-the-art science laboratories, a large computer room and administrative offices, plus dining facilities and living quarters. There are long, wide halls on both levels 1 and 2 that—together with three sets of stairs—connect all areas together. Work is done six days a week, except for Sundays.
The food growth chamber (or greenhouse facility).
The dining facility.
In addition, the station is equipped with a medical facility, a library, US post office and a hydroponic greenhouse facility. It also includes such amenities such as a gym, a game room, and arts and crafts workroom and even a souvenir store. Water and energy are used very conscientiously, and about 60% of all waste is recycled.
Dormitory hall at wing A4.
My room at wing A4.
As explained in previous posts, at this time of the year the South Pole experiences 24 hours a day of sunlight. Instead of rising and setting, the Sun moves parallel to the horizon on a counter-clockwise direction. The actual elevation above the horizon will depend on the Sun's declination, which changes throughout the year. In January—the austral summer—this translates into an elevation of about 23° to 18°, decreasing very gradually each day as the month advances. The maximum possible solar elevation at the South Pole is 23½°, achieved at the solstice which occurs around December 21 each year.
Midnight view from inside the station. Local time 12:01 am.
Finally, I am sharing a picture of me today during my afternoon outing.
Me today during my afternoon outing.
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