Week 26 at the Pole

A decorated Christmas tree with presents below it in the South Pole station galley.
Marc Jacquart, IceCube/NSF

Not everyone celebrates Christmas in July, but they do at the South Pole station, where traditions prevail. Last week started off the festivities with the appearance of a tree and presents in the galley. More activities and decorations are planned for upcoming weeks. The weather was nice and cold as a fitting complement to the seasonal atmosphere. The rest of the week was otherwise busy, with some detector maintenance and an outreach presentation for high schoolers in Tennessee. The night skies were active as well, with beautiful auroras and a bright moon—including a halo!

Winterover standing with red headlamp facing the geographic South Pole sign, with sky full of green and blue swirling auroras.
Marc Jacquart, IceCube/NSF
Bright moon with halo hidden behind spherical marker at ceremonial South Pole, a bright green laser directed up into the sky from the station in the background.
Marc Jacquart, IceCube/NSF
Bright moon with halo seen between flags at ceremonial South Pole, a bright green laser directed up into the sky from the station in the background.
Marc Jacquart, IceCube/NSF