At AGO 4
We finally made it to the AGO! I am no longer at 90 degrees South Latitude! Our team is now about 550 miles from the South Pole. We are also higher. The South Pole had an elevation of 2746 meters and AGO 4 has an elevation of 3,527 meters (roughly 11,600 feet!). That is 2,000 feet higher, which means the altitude is even thinner and it will be harder to breathe. Also, the fact that Antarctica is so cold makes the altitude feel even higher. Luckily our team is packing the Gamow bag!
The map shows the South Pole and AGO 4. Notice the locations of the other AGOs as well. Map courtesy of USAP.
For the next week (assuming we don't get stuck here due to bad weather), I will be sleeping in a tent near the AGO. Our instruments are housed in the AGO structure. We will also cook our meals there. Since it is heated, it is a nice haven from the cold!
An example of the AGO station. Photo courtesy of Andy Stilinger.
The AGO 4 Team
Although it will be more challenging here than at the South Pole Station, I feel lucky to be with such a great team! In case you forgot who was with me down here, here's our AGO team:
Bob Melville is one of the engineers I am working with at the AGO. Bob sits next to his telemetry system which he built.
Andy Stillinger is another engineer that I am with at the AGO. Here is Andy in the ice tunnels!
Susan Whitley is the field coordinator for the AGO sites. She helps keep everything in order.
I, of course, am a teacher that is joining the AGO team for one AGO site. This picture was taken in the ice tunnels.
Questions
Would you rather be at an AGO site or the South Pole? Why or why not?
What are the advantages of being at the AGO? What are the disadvantages?
Math Connection
If there are about 3.3 feet in one meter, how high is the South Pole in feet? How high is AGO 4 in feet?