Week 53 at the Pole

Three people on a sled, smiling, as they reach the bottom of the hill.
Ilya Bodo, IceCube/NSF

Wasn’t last week the last week of the year at the South Pole? Hmm, we thought so, but guess not—so this must be it, with activities covering the end of 2024 and reaching into the beginning of 2025. All of the IceCube people at the South Pole got together for a nice group photo on New Year’s Eve, and some of them found some time to go sledding. The team chalked up a win by successfully pulling the final Upgrade cables into the IceCube Lab. The Pole also entertained some special visitors last week, who arrived by Black Hawk helicopter. IceCube collaborator Albrecht Karle gave an overview of IceCube science to the Chilean president and his team. Finally, this busy week wrapped up with the annual South Pole marathon. That’s IceCube winterover Ilya in the bottom image as he finished the 28-mile ultramarathon near the ceremonial Pole.

Large group photo outside at the South Pole on bright day, many with arms raised high.
Ilya Bodo, IceCube/NSF
A line of large cable spools, with cable ends from each coming together on the ice where they feed into the IceCube Lab.
Ilya Bodo, IceCube/NSF
A helicopter whipping up snow as it lands at the South Pole.
Ilya Bodo, IceCube/NSF
A group gathered indoors listening to a presenter who is pointing to a poster.
Ilya Bodo, IceCube/NSF
South Pole marathon participant giving thumbs up with both hands out on the ice, some of the flags at the ceremonial Pole low in the backhground.
Dan Su/ASC-UTMB