Temperature: minus 25C, minus 15 F Windchill: minus 41 Celsius, minus 40 F Wind: 25 knots **Weather: **White Out with Halos
The start of the day was at 4 am to get ready for "Life from IPY”. Everything was set for the broadcast.. The conference room was just down the hall from me and upstairs. I did not have to face the increasing white-out conditions. However, outside work continues. The temperatures have not been as cold but the wind made it seem much colder. We could observe a hola all day long.
As I walked down the hall this is what I saw outside the window.
**Window view at South Pole **
This is the view out of the window along the hall of the new station. In the background a Halo over the cargo area. The outside work continues, though.*
**Nothing is stopping us **
We have close to white-out conditions, however, the work outside have to continue for all teams, including cargo and the snow-removal team.*
Fuel team at work
The fuel team is clearing the fuel-line near the skyway. This line is used to get fuel from the plane that will be stored at the station.*
It was easier for us to be able to stay right in the new station to conduct the webinar for "Life from IPY”
"Life from IPY” at South Pole Station
The conference room of the station was reserved for our broadcast. Amy, Bryan and I are trying to answer the questions in the chat room of the computer program. Andy took the picture.*
Unfortunately we had interrupted satellite connections and we could not call in. All of the station observed difficulties just at that time. I hope it will work better the next time. With all the comfort we have at the station, I realized that technological connections to the South Pole are still very inconsistent and can not be taken for granted.
The satellite connection, however, became better for the next hour and I was able to continue checking the next broadcast connections with two schools who will conduct a video conference with me during the next days.
Bryan, in the mean, time finished up some work at ARO and in the BIF where I joint him before his departure.
Some planes were delayed or canceled, however, his plane landed, though in difficult conditions, At 3:30 pm and not 11:30 am it was good by. It has been great working with him here. Bryan will join us at the next Life from IPY, December 19, from Boulder Colorado. He will direct my future work at the South Pole form Colorado while I continue working with Amy and Andy.
Plane directed for taxi
Bryan’s plane has landed and is directed where to go.*
Goodbye Bryan Johnson
Bryan and Elke before his departure in front of the "Herc”*
After the passengers were boarded I stayed to see the plane take off. It fist taxies along the skyway before it gains speed for take off. The emergency team stays until the take off is completed.
Plane taxiing for take off.
Bryan’s plane is taxiing along the skyway, the emergency vehicle is still standing by as usually, until take off has been completed.*
It was a long day again full of events. I had dinner with Amy and we spoke of our work of ARO and her upcoming "camping trip”. The flags of the ceremonial pole outside of the window of dining hall were flapping vigorously in the wind. The wind had picked up even more and further planes were canceled. I relaxed in the "Arts and Crafts” room to make Danish Christmas pocket hearts for the dining hall and my research team.
Arts and Crafts at SPS
The South Pole Station has a well equipped arts and crafts room.*
**Danish Christmas Hearts **
I am in the "Arts and Crafts” room in the new station, preparing Danish Christmas Hearts. One can place treats inside and hand them on the xmas tree.*
Question: What is the difference between the Geographical and Ceremonial Pole?