Podcast: Science at the End of the Earth, Part II

• By Sara Mitchell
• January 19, 2010
• 2 Comments

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Transcript (Text, PDF)

A remote research outpost like McMurdo Station in Antarctica draws many different kinds of people – scientists, engineers, writers, artists, and more.  The station provides many of the comforts of home, and it’s difficult to get bored with the opportunities presented during a visit.  Whether it’s learning to drive the special ice-friendly vehicles or participating in a chili cook-off, visitors often find themselves embarking on adventures and picking up unusual skills outside the scope of their own area of expertise.

In our last episode, we  interviewed Dr. John Mitchell about scientific ballooning in Antarctica and his experiences launching his experiment, BESS, in 2004 and 2007.  But what’s it like to spend a summer on the southernmost continent?  In the second part of this interview, Dr. Mitchell tells us about the unique experiences he’s had at McMurdo during his visits.

Part I of “Science at the End of the Earth”

Life at McMurdo Station

Getting to McMurdo is a serious undertaking… but adventure awaits! Many visitors have documented the experience, and we’ve picked some of our favorite links about the station and what it’s like to work in Antarctica.

• The National Science Foundation’s site about McMurdo Station, with information about facilities and programs.
• What’s it really like to visit McMurdo? Take a virtual tour of the experience – including preparations in New Zealand and a special visit to the South Pole!
• Watch a short video about the special extreme cold weather clothing required for all visitors to McMurdo. The channel Antarctica Portraits also offers a variety of other behind-the-scenes videos of Antarctic experiences.
• Check out the weather forecast for McMurdo Station.

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