Week 10 at the Pole

Clear blue sky on sunny day at the South Pole with bird’s-eye view of winterovers setting up a flag line, long shadow of building off to the side.
Camille Parisel, IceCube/NSF

Look at that sky! It may be bright and sunny, but those lengthening shadows foretell what’s to come. Darkness will fall in a few short weeks—in preparation, the winterovers were out setting up the flag lines leading to the Dark Sector buildings, including the IceCube Lab. When it’s dark or when visibilty is poor, those flag lines are real lifesavers. Inside, the station’s winterovers have been busy tending to the greenhouse plants and enjoying time together as they settle into new routines. The activities wall has been filling up quickly with flyers and posters announcing regular events.

The IceCube Lab top right with long shadow of person bottom left.
Alicia Fattorini, IceCube/NSF
Flyers and posters hung on corner walls.
Camille Parisel, IceCube/NSF
Close-up of small green tomatoes on the vine.
Camille Parisel, IceCube/NSF