Week 15 at the Pole

Swirling green auroras against blue sky, from observation deck of South Pole station.
Martin Wolf, IceCube/NSF

The first auroras of the season are in! This is always such an exciting time, not only for those folks lucky enough to be at the Pole but also for those of us who only get the long-distance armchair experience. In IceCube winterover Martin’s selfie below, it almost looks as though he is somehow creating the auroras with his arm movements. But maybe he’s exercising, as both he and Josh were involved in “Healthy April,” where they earned points for things like weightlifting and running. Special treat: last image shows an inside look at Josh’s living quarters at the South Pole station—small maybe, but complete with all basic creature comforts and individualized with personal decor.

Person with arms thrown up into the air, with swirling aurora just overhead.
Martin Wolf, IceCube/NSF
South Pole station on horizon, with light showing in some of the windows, and light auroras overhead.
Josh Veitch-Michaelis, IceCube/NSF
Interior view of living quarters at South Pole station, showing bed, desk, and posters on walls.
Josh Veitch-Michaelis, IceCube/NSF