Elaine stands in front of an LC-130 on the snow runway
Bye Antarctica :( My travel out of the South Pole and McMurdo Station were surprisingly smooth. I was personally hoping for delays and more time "on the ice" but the Fates weren't with me. Or maybe…
Stuffed animals pretending to type at a computer
Supporting Science As I reflect back on my time in Antarctica, I keep thinking of all the amazing support staff that made my entire experience so amazing. For every scientist here, there are 5 more…
The PolarStern Icebreaker in McMurdo Station
Some luxuries again! I made it back to McMurdo Station and the first thing I did was shower and do laundry! The water had been under maintenance at the South Pole before I left so I was happy to be…
Three people waving in front of the South Pole Station
The South Pole has been the most amazing, unique, fun, cold, beautiful, and awesome place I've ever been. I spent years applying to PolarTREC, and then years waiting when the pandemic hit - and two…
Elaine sits with her arms open at the South Pole!
The Best Live Stream Ever! Thank you to everyone for tuning in this morning! It was amazing to see so many smiling faces! I'm in awe of technology and it's crazy I was able to talk to you from…
Elaine stands in front of a large white telescope
SO. MUCH. SCIENCE Over my two weeks here at the South Pole, I have gotten to meet THE most amazing scientists working on the coolest projects! I want to highlight some of them here for you! IceCube…
Elaine stands in front of a sun dog
An Overview Before leaving for Antarctica, I ran a few outreach programs having friends, family, and students fill out postcards I designed. Every person asked a question that I am responding to. It…
Two people stand in a hole in the snow next to a wooden vault.
COVID Precautions When I was preparing to come to Antarctica, I took a lot of precautions to prevent bringing a virus down here. Even something small like a cold can be devastating when living in…
Five people standing in the South pole gymnasium with pickleball rackets
Work comes first! We do spend a lot of time working here at the South Pole. After all - that is what we came here to do! I helped an Askaryan Radio Array (ARA) team member, Alisa, plug in some…
Weddell seals lying out on the ice
On my social media platforms - @elaine.explains - I shared 24 "Knowledge Nuggets" - bits of trivia about Antarctica counting down to my departure date (and Christmas)! I'd love to share them with you…
Elaine drives a PistenBully
Trainings, trainings, and more trainings Living and working at the South Pole is pretty normal in a lot of aspects (we have heating, plumbing, beds, showers, etc.). So sometimes it is easy to forget…
A stack of postcards with a LEGO figure on top
An Overview Before leaving for Antarctica, I ran a few outreach programs having friends, family, and students fill out postcards I designed. Every person asked a question that I am responding to! It…