Tag Archives: sun

Return of the Sun

Alex sent us these photos to celebrate the return of the Sun:

'Re-entry' of the sun into the Antarctic horizon breaking the winter darkness. Credits: A. Kumar

View from our front door in the midday sunshine Credits: A. Kumar

Good day sunshine. Credits: A. Kumar

Concordia Style - 1970s flares - mechanic Bruno Limouzy shown. Credits: A. Kumar

Sunday, happy Sunday. Credits: A. Kumar

Behold the light! Credits: A. Kumar

-75C breath. Credits: A. Kumar

Sea of ice. Credits: A. Kumar

Dusk till dawn, Concordia Rooftop. Credits: A. Kumar

If you squint you can see Neil Armstrong's footprints. Credits: A. Kumar

Sitting waiting for the Sun

Today in-between running two research sessions, after lunch I took a stroll outside. There was some light - so for once I did not need a head torch.

Sitting waiting for the Sun outside Concordia

Credits: ESA/IPEV/ENEA-A. Kumar

Everything had changed. I was in an alien land. I was so used to the dark, navigating one footstep at a time, only seeing as far as the artificial light from my head torch shone. Around me it used to be pitch black. Now for a few hours a day, the Sun remains trapped below the horizon but you get the feeling that it is bursting at its seams to rise above the horizon. (more...)

Midsummer up north

Credits: Kolbjørn Blix Dahle

Alex writes: During midwinter in the southern hemisphere we try to remember the sunlight and wonder about midsummer. I was sent this text which shows how varied different places on planet Earth can be...

At the Andøya Rocket Range in northern Norway the Sun has been up since mid-May and will not dip below the horizon until July 25.

It is easier to get up in the morning and more difficult to go to bed at night when the Sun hovers over the ocean. It is as if the Sun itself is urging us to stay up.

Just a little bit longer, it pleads… you can sleep in the winter. (more...)

Join the dark side: send us questions and photos

Satellite dish at Concordia

Satellite dish at Concordia Credits: A. Kumar

Alex writes: This week we celebrate midwinter. We are halfway through the darkness and on the home stretch to see the sun for the first time in four months. The northern hemisphere will celebrate midsummer this week. Opposites attract - we would love to see your photos of the Sun and your midsummer celebrations. Share them on this Flickr group.

(more...)