Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 12/28/2011 - 16:17
Forums
Space Weather Monitoring on the Antarctic Plateau

Hi Michelle,

I was wondering how much the location of the south pole changes daily, monthly, yearly due to the wobble of the Earth.

Can't wait till July, Hugh

Fri, 12/30/2011 - 06:25

Michelle Brown

Hi Hugh!
I'll have to ask some folks here to get an exact measurement for you, but yes, the geographic South Pole does move due to the movements of the Earth. Every New Year's Day, they move the Geographic South Pole sign. I will be here for that, so I'll be sure to let you know. When the Norwegian Prime Minister was here celebrating Amundson's 100th year anniversary of arriving to the pole, they had marked out the accurate geographic South Pole for the occasion. I noticed the marking was about a meter and half from the sign, so I would estimate this as the rough movement. I'll definitely measure or ask someone about it though.
I'm looking forward to seeing you in July as well! : )
Sincerely,
Michelle

Tue, 01/03/2012 - 18:59

Michelle Brown

Hi Hugh,
I did some research, and the pole moves 33 feet every year. This is not due to the wobble of the Earth, but because the pole sits on the Antarctic Ice Sheet, which is slowly moving!
Thanks for asking a great question!
Sincerely,
Michelle