mikessouthpole

MIKE AT
ANTARCTICA
AMUNDSEN-SCOTT
SOUTH POLE STATION
2004
Winter Crew

The Worlds Last Frontier

The Photographs, and other material shown in Mikes South Pole Station
are courtesy of Mike, Raytheon Polar Services and others in the South Pole Community

Mike
Winter 2004

New Dome in 1975

South Pole Marker

January 1, 2004

Antarctica

This land-based continent is the highest, driest, coldest, windiest, and emptiest place on earth. An ice sheet covers approximately 98% of Antarctica's 14 million square kilometers. At its thickest point the ice sheet is 4,776 meters deep. This ice is approximately 90% of the world's ice (by volume) and is 70% of all the world's fresh water. There are many penguins and abundant sea life along the coast - but there is little life on the continent, and there are no indigenous peoples.

South Pole Runway Setting Sun and Landscape
March 04

Temperatures

The mean annual temperature at South Pole Station is minus 56 degrees F. During the austral summer, temperatures at McMurdo Station may reach as high as 50 degrees F, while at South Pole Station the summer temperature may reach 0 degrees F. Palmer Station has a milder climate, with summer temperatures reaching as high as 55 degrees F.

New South Pole Station February 04 Buried Dome

Daylight and Darkness

Simply put, much of the area below 66.5 degrees south enjoys one long day and one long night each year - with weeks of sunrise and sunset in between. There are spectacular displays of aurora australis (southern lights) during the winter darkness.

Aurora Over The Dome May 04 Ice Sculpture

Ownership
No nation owns Antarctica. The Antarctic Treaty, which has been signed by 45 countries, reserves the area south of 60 degrees south as a zone for the peaceful conduct of research. Treaty nations coordinate and cooperate to maximize research results and minimize logistics requirements.

Ice breaker Nathaniel B. Phelo

Ice Breaker Nathaniel B. Palmer

Size and Distance
The continent is roughly 14 million sq. kilometers (5.4 million sq. miles). The USA is smaller at 9.36 million sq. kilometers (3.6 million sq. miles). The area of sea ice around Antarctica varies from 4 million sq. kilometers
(1.0 million sq., miles) in summer to 20 million sq. kilometers (7.7 million sq. miles) in the winter. The distance from Washington, D. C., to McMurdo station is approximately 14,830 kilometers (9,920 miles).

Click here to visit the South Pole live camera

Science
Antarctica provides excellent conditions for scientific research on such topics as global warming, ozone changes, climatology, earth sciences, glaciology, astronomy, UV radiation, oceanic circulation, marine ecosystems, meteorite studies, etc.

AASTO and Tower Canadian Twin Otters

The Staff of Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station would like to cordially invite you to the 2004 Midwinter festivities to be held on Monday, June 21, 2004.
midwinterbbq

Fine dining provided in the South Pole galley.
Traditional midwinter viewing of “The Shining” starring Jack Nicholson.
Live entertainment courtesy of the station band “Kevin Van Hendrix”, formerly known as “The Dana Hrubes Revival Project”, formerly known as “The Fear of Commitments”.
Complimentary wine, beer and liquor. (While supplies last.)

Please join us here at “90 South” for this uniquely Antarctic Celebration.

Directions:
From anywhere on the globe proceed due south until you reach the geographic South Pole marker. From this point proceed approximately 100 yards to the station entrance. Food and drink will be provided, however fresh fruit and vegetables are always appreciated.

R.S.V.P. via e-mail or Air-Postale

Crew - Mid Winter

THE WHITE HOUSE
Washington

June 17, 2004

I send greetings to those celebrating Midwinter’s Day in Antarctica on June 21, 2004.
Scientific research leads to progress in many important areas, and the international community in Antarctica improves our understanding of life, our world, and our universe. Your efforts continue the spirit of peaceful cooperation outlined in the Antarctic Treaty and advance humanity’s legacy of exploration and discovery.

I commend your vision and commitment to excellence in your fields. Your work enhances our quality of life and inspires new generations of innovators and pioneers.

Laura joins me in sending our best wishes on this special occasion.

George W. Bush

Russian Aircraft stuck at the SP Clean Air and Sundogs
needs parts and repairs

Greetings from the S Pole,

Not a lot of big news here. One of the scientists got frostbite on her little finger climbing down from the roof of her building. Apparently she dropped a mitten while she was up there.

Very good light shows this evening. The Auroras were off and on since around 4:30pm Two were over the station at the same time, but only for a minute or so. Those things will be my biggest risk of getting frostbite. They kind of mesmerize you. The people here who have seen them before from Alaska, New York, etc. say that these are more active and move a lot faster than what they've seen before. Mostly white so far, one had a very light shade of green.
Love, Mike

Click here to visit the National Science Foundation

Very Large Reel Of Cable
frisbeeplayers

Frisbee Players
Mike 4th from flag

Picture taken at the North Pole of the Moon,
Sun, and the Earth

2006 - Third Year

New Science building - Feb 2006

            Mike gave this flag to his dad, Xmas 2005
                                                                                                                                                                         Flying at the SP during winter, return home
                                                                                                                                                                                            November, 2006

April 7, 2006

Hi!

Thought I better send something.

Been putting in some extra long hours the last couple of days. We had a little problem with some
of the switchgear in the old power plant. One of the main breakers failed and it happened to be
the one that supplied power to the fuel arch. So, no fuel could be pumped to the generators.
Had about 800 gal in the fuel tank when it happened, and the generator sets burn about 50 gal/hr.

Got a temporary fix going to supply fuel and are still working on a more permanent
solution. Was pretty hectic Thursday.

Need to get some sleep. Will keep in touch and let you know how things are going.

Love,
Mike

antarcticamike

Picture of Mike taken April 2006

Check out this great Antarctic Photo Library

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