Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station

Average Annual Temperature: -56°F (-49°C)
Average Summer Temperature: -18°F (-28°C)
Average Winter Temperature: -76°F (-60°C)
Average Wind Speed: 11 knots

Situated on a plateau of ice 9,000 feet (2,700 m) thick, the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station is about 1,000 feet (300 m) upstream from the geographic south pole and is drifting with the ice sheet toward the pole at a rate of 33 feet (10 m) per year. Eventually the moving ice will carry the station directly over the pole!

The station is named after Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and Englishman Robert F. Scott who led independent expeditions to the south pole in the early 1900's. Nothing can compare to the frigid temperatures here. A record low of -117°F (-83°C) was recorded in June, 1982. At that temperature water poured from a glass will freeze before hitting the ground.

Airplanes from McMurdo stock the base from October through early February; the station is isolated the rest of the year. The winter population varies from 25-35 and the summer population averages 200. Ongoing research projects include meteorology, seismology, and glaciology. It is an especially good location for studying astronomy and astrophysics. The high altitude and dry air make for extremely clear skies so that the view through a telescope at the south pole is better than anywhere else on Earth.

Station life can be harsh, especially during winter. There is a library, pool table, small gymnasium and weight room. Contact with friends and relatives stateside is limited to brief phone calls that can be made just two days a week. Water conservation at South Pole Station is also critical. People are limited to 2 two-minute showers each week and one load of laundry.

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