The Southern Hemisphere marks the beginning of winter, while the Northern Hemisphere welcomes spring with the arrival of March 20. At NOAA’s South Pole Observatory, researchers are witnessing the start of six months of darkness and extreme cold.
“The sky transitions from bright blue to shades of green and orange as the sun sets low on the horizon,” said Ian Crocker, a station technician at the observatory. He and his colleagues will continue monitoring ozone, greenhouse gases, and solar radiation throughout the winter.
Located on the Antarctic plateau, the South Pole Observatory is inaccessible for nine months due to extreme cold conditions. GML staff experience only one sunrise and one sunset per year, making their time there truly unique. Crocker describes the experience as “wondrous awe” and a chance for deep reflection before the dark months begin.
For those interested in witnessing the South Pole’s winter firsthand, check out this live webcam.
Source: https://www.noaa.gov/news/photo-feature-last-light-at-south-pole-brings-6-months-of-darkness