This photo at sunset is a picture that paints a thousand words, reminding us that the South Pole is technically a desert. The windswept snow forms into sastrugi, or sharp, irregular grooves and ridges on the hard snow surface. They can create interesting shapes and take on strange appearances, as in the image below, which looks a bit like waves crashing to shore. Another interesting sunset image, following that one, captures a green flash, an optical phenomenon that sometimes occurs right before a sunset when the conditions are right. IceCube winterover Martin was in the right place at the right time to catch that shot. The sunset also traditionally gives rise to a special occasion meal at the Pole. This annual dinner was held last week at the Pole, prepared with care by the galley staff, replete with folded napkins and nicely plated courses.
