Week 3 at the Pole

Steam from water heaters filling the space between drill camp containers.
Johannes Werthebach, IceCube/NSF

The IceCube Upgrade drill camp was still in operation last week. Above is a view with all heaters working to get the water for the drill up to temperature. But as the Upgrade season is starting to wind down, last week was a good time to get the whole group together for a celebration before some folks start to leave the Pole. The group gathered in the gym, and everybody received a commemorative beanie cap (Rosie & Gibbs!) and watched a screening of Messengers, a documentary film featuring IceCube. These are also the final days for the tourist camp that had been set up near the station. From the station’s galley, you could watch tourist planes coming or going, but that activity, too, will soon be ending.

People assembled in South Pole gym, on sofas and chairs lined up for large-screen film viewing.
Alicia Fattorini, IceCube/NSF
Close-up of blue knit beanie, branded with IceCube comic patch on ribbing.
Alicia Fattorini, IceCube/NSF
Two small planes parked side-by-side on the ice and facing forward, clear blue sky overhead.
Ase Torgilsson, IceCube/NSF