AntarcticDoctor

Returning from a walk during the brief hours of sunlight, we were surprised by a rapidly strengthening wind which soon had the spindrift blowing thick and fast.  Ambient temperatures were already in the -30’s before the wind picked up, and it had a chill which cut though clothing without mercy, leaving us no choice but to head back to base and take shelter.  As is the case so often in Antarctica, the inhospitability was paralleled in intensity by the beauty of the scene; spindrift cascading down the slope, filling the air with ice particles, each reflecting the golden light of the low sun.

The Open Day at SANAP headquarters in Cape Town today was an unqualified success, with early figures estimating that more than 600 people including many children took part.  The event, managed by the MTN Sciencentre as part of ‘Antarctica Month’, featured interactive and static displays, science-themed activities for participants through the age spectrum, a live broadcast from Bush Radio, and the very popular tours of the SA Agulhas.  We were also there – virtually – via a video-conferencing setup, allowing the team here at SANAE to answer questions and talk to Open Day participants from all walks of life.  We also had a camera connected to give a live feed of the area outside the base, and a direct weather feed.

The ever-popular Saziso chatting via video-linkup.

I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves… it didn’t last long, but the sun is back.