Getting Psyched for Antarctica
3 comments MADISON, WISCONSIN– I received my plane ticket to go to New Zealand yesterday, so it looks like I am really going to Antarctica. December 4th is my departure date, and after I cross the international dateline I’ll arrive in Christchurch, New Zealand, on December 6th. From there, it’s on to McMurdo Station, Antarctica, on a US military cargo plane.
I am supposed to fly to McMurdo on December 9th, and when I get there I should meet up with the Exploratorium folks. Two years ago I was extremely lucky to be in McMurdo on a day when around 200 Adelie penguins showed up, and I am hopeful that I’ll get to see more penguins this time.
Adelie penguins and a Waddell seal on the sea ice near McMurdo Station.
Colleague Michelangelo D’Agostino, with the penguins, the Swedish icebreaker Oden, and Mount Terror in the background.
One of the curious penguins that showed up at McMurdo.
After stopping in McMurdo for a few days, then I’ll be on the way to the pole. The IceCube drillers are getting ready to drill their first 2.5 km deep hole of the season.
The South Pole from the air. South Pole Station is on the left and IceCube on the right.
I am looking forward to it! Stay tuned for reports over the next couple of months.
Hey Mark!
What you are doing sounds really interesting! Hope to see you sometime after you get back.
Hi Mark,
May I say thanks again to Kate and all Explortorium staff, and to you and the science team at the South Pole for a wonderful educational experience through the webcast. My students fully enjoyed talking to you and wish you the very best of luck with your research. I’ve encouraged them to keep themselves posted through your blog with how you are getting on!
All the best!
Steve Rackley
Geography (Earth/Social Sciences) teacher from Framingham Earl High School, Norwich, UK
Thank you, Steve! What a well-prepared and inquisitive class. We’re so glad we could do this. I know the scientists enjoyed it, as well — they relish the opportunity to reach out to students, especially when they are in an isolated location so far from home. I hope we can do this again soon!
Thanks again. And please, if you have questions or comments, post away! I’m sure our correspondents would love it.
Mark Andrews
‘Ice Stories’ Project Manager