Journal

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 has been fun to include members of the South Pole Station in answering your questions!

As I am answering these questions, I am noticing some common themes and I wanted to share some answers to some Frequently Asked Questions here!

A stack of postcards with a LEGO figure on top
I am about halfway through 700 postcards! And I can't wait to send them out to you! Photo by Elaine Krebs.

FAQ 1- How are you doing?!?

I am doing great! I absolutely love it here. The scenery is stunning - everywhere you look is beautiful. But the best part are the people! This is a super tight knit community and everyone is willing to help each other out.

Elaine stands in front of the South Pole Station and South Pole Marker
It's so amazing to actually be here! I still can't believe it and I'm pinching myself every day. Photo by Elaine Krebs.

FAQ 2 - Have you seen a penguin?

Not yet. :( I'm hoping I can see some on my way back through McMurdo Station! Also - for everyone who asked if I can hug them - NOPE! That is very much against the Antarctic Treaty.

Stuffed animal penguin in front of Antarctic landscape
Pingüinito keeps a lookout everywhere we go! But no luck yet. :( Photo by Elaine Krebs.

FAQ 3 - Have you seen a polar bear?

So while polar bears are great at surviving cold weather, they are only found in the Arctic not the ANTarctic. So no I won't see one.

A seal pops his head out of the water
No polar bears but there are cute seals! Photo by Kylee Branning.

FAQ 4 - How cold is it?

The temperature at the South Pole hovers around -20 degrees F with a wind chill factor of about -45 degrees F. The wind averages about 10-15mph. I am not cold at all though! The Extreme Cold Weather gear they issue us is very good at keeping us toasty warm. I went out in a t-shirt and just the "Big Red" parka for about an hour and was totally fine.

Two people talk outside in Big Red jackets
Marc and Alisa discussing our work sites. We were out for three hours without being TOO cold! Photo by Elaine Krebs.

FAQ 5 - What has been the hardest adjustment?

The hardest part for me is falling asleep! The sun is out 24/7 here and it is really hard for me to convince my body to become tired. I am usually in bed by 9:30pm back home but I keep accidentally staying up until 2am which is NOT like me.

The sun shines over the Antarctic wilderness
Guess what time this was taken at?!? I'll give you a hint. Most people were sleeping. Photo by Elaine Krebs.

Details
Author
Elaine Krebs
Date
Location
South Pole Station
Expedition
IceCube and The Askaryan Radio Array 2022
Weather Summary
Blue skies and cold temps. Classic.
Temperature
-22.0 F
Wind Speed
8.3 MPH
Wind Chill
-41.3 F

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Comments

Fri, 01/13/2023 - 07:47

Ms. Aldana-Room 12

Scientist Krebs the children are thankful and have new questions for you.

1. Are you using a motor vehicles?
2. Have you experienced a blizzard yet?

Thank you,
Ms. Aldana Alexander Science Center

Fri, 01/13/2023 - 10:53

Elaine Krebs

Hi Ms. Aldana and Room 12!
1. Yes I have driven TWO motor vehicles - snowmobiles and one called a pisten bully. I had to go to trainings to drive them. We also walk a lot of places!
2. We have not had a blizzard - I experienced beautiful snowfall in McMurdo station, and we have had "blown snow" days here at the South Pole - where it's so windy it blows the snow in your face! But it's not actually snowing :)