First sunrise. Credits: ESA/IPEV/PNRA–F. van den Berg

First sunrise. Credits: ESA/IPEV/PNRA–F. van den Berg

After four months with seeing the Sun rise above the horizon the crew of Concordia research station welcome its return from the rooftop.

During the Antarctic summer some 60 scientists live and work on the base conducting research on the icy plateau 3200 m above sea level.

When winter comes, the skeleton crew of up to 15 keep the base running and fend for themselves for nine months – no help can be flown in as temperatures drop to –80ºC.

Preparing for exploration of our Solar System, ESA runs life-science experiments on the crew as they adapt to life in these harsh conditions.

Taken from ESA-sponsored medical doctor Floris van den Berg’s blog:

“Nothing’s ever what we expect
But they keep asking where we’re going next
All we’re chasing is the sunset”


Sun goes down – Robin Schultz ft. Jasmine Tompson (2014)

Concordia Station, today, 10 minutes past 11. It’s actually quite emotional. Just this little yellow line on the horizon, just 20 minutes of ‘the real deal’. The first sun in 99 days.

But no question where we’re going next.

“Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
And I say it’s all right

Little darling, it’s been a long cold lonely winter
Little darling, it feels like years since it’s been here

Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
And I say it’s all right”

Here comes the sun – The Beatles (1969)

Temperature -62.1°C. Windchill -77.8°C.