We’ve had a few nights of aurora lately, nothing spectacular but fricken-lights-in-the-sky for chrissakes so it’s worth getting the camera out
The rest were blurry because I’m stupid and messed around with the focus, even though it was fine. I’ll never learn.
Filed by admin at 1:56 pm under antarctica
No Comments
When the aurora shouts went out I was sceptical, it’s still too early and its not dark enough I said … Hah, I was wrong. I stepped out onto the platform and looked up, and saw a damn fine light show. Lots of movement with greens and blues waving directly above.
I ran in to get my camera, but by the time I emerged wearing 80 layers of clothing, the aurora had virtually disappeared. A really bright moon didn’t help matters either…
Bloody moon. Shoo, you’re ruining my art
The Piggott surrounded by a weak aurora after the camera came out
The camera catches a low orbitting satellite
A few familiar constellations… Can you spot the southern cross?
Filed by admin at 12:35 pm under antarctica
No Comments
As winter proper approaches, the weather gradually changes over a period of weeks, from inclement sunny days to bitterly cold windy nights. As daylight leaves, we’re treated with fantastic horizons and magical atmospheric tricks.
Halo and sundogs over the Halley VI modules
The fiery Simpson flanked by sundogs
The left edge of the view above, looked like a comet heading to the Simpson
A Halley VI module, late in the evening
Jupiter at 5am
Filed by admin at 3:51 pm under antarctica
No Comments
I was hoping to get quite a lot of life admin sorted during nights this week. A few blog updates, emails to family and friends, catch up on some reading, clean the systems around the base, take a photo of people playing with the most awesome Wii that Jonno sold his soul to get sent to me etc…
The problem is I’ve just been too busy. Doing what I hear you say? No need to fret dedicated reader/fan/person-looking-for-fancy-dress-photos because I shall now reveal the nightshift in all its black and white glory (days are colour).
Mostly, I’ve been…
Cleaning!
Sweeping!
Bread making!
It’s not all work though, I do get 5 minutes of rest…
Reading!
Making tea!
Playing pool!
Watching TV!
It’s lucky I have so much energy, otherwise I’d be falling asleep. There’s no chance for naps when you’re on nights.
Filed by admin at 5:49 am under antarctica
No Comments
Dingle
din·gle /ˈdɪŋgəl/
Pronunciation [ding-guhl]
–adjective,
1. abounding in sunshine: a sunny day.
2. ideal weather for camping.
3. opposite of stormy, crappy, windy, blowy, whooshy weather.
4. warm (relatively).
5. Sledge Charlie (08).
Well, what can I say. Not much since I’m typing, but try to imagine me saying ‘what a lovely trip I had at the hinge zone with Richie B, Fritsy and Hannahie (note to self: that one doesnt quite work). To those not accustomed to the people on base, those three are, Richard B, the GA; Ags the BC and Hannah the doc. We spent a magnificent five days at the Hinge zone in absolutely perfect weather, a stark contrast to the shockingly terrible and horrific weather we had the first time round with Sledge Awesome (I blame Jimbo the Jonah).
I took lots of photos and some film, and for the time being you’ll have to check out my gallery to see them, til I find the time to get a proper update written up.
Filed by admin at 8:54 am under antarctica
No Comments