Week 35 at the Pole

Wide view at the South Pole as yellowish light appears along horizon.
Camille Parisel, IceCube/NSF

The South Pole sky is starting to show a little color. The sun hasn’t risen yet, but that’s a slow process at the Pole. The three periods of twilight linger for weeks there, with light creeping up over the horizon gradually. Speaking of color, the photo below trumps the horizon photo by a long shot. The station held their first winter concert last week, with colorful lights galore, and they’re planning for more concerts to come. But if you’re looking for a particular color, say blue, we’ve got you covered there, too, with a moody close-up of the IceCube Lab under a partial lunar eclipse. Last week was a generally busy one, with the WIFFA viewings (37 movies to watch) and special meals prepared to honor the original signatories of the Antarctic Treaty. Also, since light is beginning to appear outside, the station window coverings were removed.

A band performing with lots of lines and swirls of colorful lights in motion
Camille Parisel, IceCube/NSF
Dark image of the IceCube Lab close up, all in blues, under a partial lunar eclipse.
Alicia Fattorini, IceCube/NSF
A window showing darkness outside and reflections from the lights inside, with artistic panels leaning against wall below it.
Camille Parisel, IceCube/NSF