Week 32 at the Pole

Close-up of crystalized formations in frost.
Alicia Fattorini, IceCube/NSF

It was a relatively quiet and calm week at the Pole. IceCube’s winterovers had some of their usual chores to attend to along with a Zoom call with the new winterovers who will take their place (though not quite yet…). Winterover Alicia was down in the tunnels last week, always an interesting spot to visit. Among other places, the tunnels lead to the Rodwell, the station’s source of fresh water. As you travel the tunnels, you come across eclectic shrines that adorn the tunnel walls, telling tales of visitors past. The close-up above shows intricate ice formations in the tunnels, sparkling in the artificial light. As one of the coldest winters at the Pole in years, there have been plenty of clear nights providing some spectacular stargazing. Alicia was outside looking at the stars last week, too—she’s the blurry foreground image in the selfie attempt below.

Long view of belowground ice tunnel.
Alicia Fattorini, IceCube/NSF
Starry sky with blurry shadow in foreground from someone taking a selfie.
Alicia Fattorini, IceCube/NSF
Same starry sky view but without the blurry person in foreground.
Alicia Fattorini, IceCube/NSF