Week 38 at the Pole

The IceCube Lab at sunrise, with South Pole Telescope visible in distance.
Moreno Baricevic, IceCube/NSF

There’s nothing wrong with “quiet,” especially where detector operations are concerned. That’s a good thing. And last week was relatively quiet at the Pole. IceCube’s winterovers did have to trek out to the IceCube Lab anyway, though, for some hands-on work for a routine operation. On their walk, Moreno captured some nice photos of the strong, sharp sastrugi that have developed over winter, while Celas captured a close-up of Moreno’s protected face—a reminder that, sun or no sun, it’s still a cold place. The week’s excitement came from (drumroll) the official sunrise. Although it was rather cloudy most of the time, there were a few moments of clear skies where the sun could clearly be seen low on the horizon (as could a glimpse of the infamous green flash).

Long rows of sastrugi pointing toward the South Pole Telescope.
Moreno Baricevic, IceCube/NSF
Pointy side-view close-up of sastrugi.
Moreno Baricevic, IceCube/NSF
Close-up of covered frosted face mask, just eyes showing.
Wenceslas Marie-Sainte, IceCube/NSF
Sunrise behind the IceCube Lab.
Aman Chokshi, SPT/NSF
Close-up of green flash at sunrise.
Aman Chokshi, SPT/NSF