Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 12/13/2011 - 05:18
Forums
Space Weather Monitoring on the Antarctic Plateau

Hi there, How do they connect the internet at the South Pole? Is there a really long wire to the ocean? Or does it go through satellites? Thanks! Jorge

Thu, 12/15/2011 - 12:16

Michelle Brown

Hi Jorge!
Great question! The internet here comes through satellites. I am writing to you write now through a wireless connection we have in the Jamesways! However, when the satellite is beyond our horizon, we lose the signal. There are constant updates as to when we will have internet connection (and satellite phone service) posted in the galley where we eat. There are two times that we get service. We get a weaker service in the mornings (from around 4 a.m. to mid morning) and a stronger service in the late afternoon (from around 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.). Every day the satellite times change by 4 minutes. Can you guess why?
Thanks again!
Sincerely,
Ms. Brown

Fri, 12/16/2011 - 06:36

Anonymous

Is it because the satellite's orbit is shifting relative to you?

Fri, 12/16/2011 - 16:48

Anonymous

Great question! The satellite signals change by 4 minutes every day because the earth actually makes one full rotation every 23 hours, 56 minutes and 4.09 seconds. That's a four minute difference! We use satellites that are operated by NASA. They let us use the satellite for given times of the day, and then they use the satellites for other tasks during other parts of the day. Also, the satellites don't go over us, but rather tip over the edge of our horizon down here. That is why we don't have complete satellite coverage all day. Great question!