Week 45 at the Pole

Group photo of winterovers with pride flags outside under clear sky at the South Pole.
Aman Chokshi, SPT/NSF

There was an abundance of color out on the ice last week at the Pole—lots of photo shoots in preparation of celebrating Polar Pride Day on November 18. Above we see some of the winterovers captured in midair as they engaged in a pride “jump.” The photo was taken by South Pole Telescope winterover Aman Chokshi, who has been friend and fellow winterover to IceCube’s two winterovers this past year and has graciously shared some amazing photographs with us during this time. (For those who’ve wondered what Aman looks like, he’s posing in the image directly below.) Next is a photo of some winterovers at the satellite dome, which is blocking the sun but framed in a nice sun dog [1, 2]. They were watching an air drop—treats falling from the sky. The treats were crates filled with oranges, apples, and onions, so welcome after a long winter without fresh fruit. More “freshies,” as they call them there, will be arriving at the Pole as summer flight activity picks up.

Close-up photo of winterover in red parka and completely covered face with dark sunglasses.
Moreno Baricevic, IceCube/NSF
View of satellite dome in shadow, blocking the sun, framed by sun dog.
Wenceslas Marie-Sainte, IceCube/NSF
Air drop in action at the South Pole.
Wenceslas Marie-Sainte, IceCube/NSF
Winterovers watching air drop, one standing upright the other lying face up on the ice.
Wenceslas Marie-Sainte, IceCube/NSF