Last LC-130 for the Summer 2009-10 by Ella Derbyshire

Nikon D80's

So, here we are again, at the South Pole at the end of summer, watching the last plane of the season on the flight deck. This Hercules LC-130 dropped off some fuel and cargo for us, and then left with the few remaining summer crew members who had lingered to support the late summer flights. When the plane took off, 47 people remained at the South Pole for the winter of 2010.

We had a really good turnout for this flight despite the very early hour. It was fairly warm outside, with the temperature hovering around -42 degrees Fahrenheit. The wind was light, and the sun was still high enough to lend a little warmth.

Those of you who follow news about the South Pole will notice some changes from last year. For example, the ARFF has a new configuration that will allow us to put it inside the BARFF for maintenance and for removal of the foam that it contains. Note also that IceCube drill camp has moved. Next summer they should finish drilling the last seven holes for their in-ice neutrino telescope.

We will see our next plane in October. In the meantime, the remaining crew will winterize the station, enjoy a sunset and a sunrise and spend the months in between under long twilight, spinning stars and dancing auroras.

The 36 photographs of this panorama were photographed with a Nikon D80 and stitched with Autopano Pro.