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July 11, 2004Midwinter is milestone at PoleSOUTH POLE, Antarctica - It's true. The temperature we were all waiting for finally arrived. The thermometer dipped just below minus 100 degrees Fahrenheit at approximately 7 a.m. on June 6, just as my feet hit the floor.No, it's not a rumor. Yes, the 300 Club does exist. To become a club member, you must brave the elements - in your birthday suit. When the temperature at the Pole dips to minus 100 degrees Fahrenheit, we dial up 200 degrees Fahrenheit in the sauna. This equates to a difference of 300 degrees Fahrenheit. To officially be a part of the 300 Club, you must run naked, wearing only shoes, to the South Pole geographic marker. This small detail traveled along the few neurons in my atrophying brain to my starving coffee center. The decision was quick and decisive. No person in his right mind, or left for that matter, would run into the wind naked for approximately 150 yards at a temperature of minus 100 degrees Fahrenheit before his first couple cups of coffee. So, with this issue was quickly settled, I stumbled off to the galley to retrieve my first cup of java. Mid-winter has come and gone. The night before, June 20, we had a dandy dinner, which included prime rib, lobster, stuffed chicken breasts and vegetarian Wellington loaf. The band, whose name changes each time they play, entertained us well into the night, with riffs ranging from Van Morrison to B-52s. June 21 is as big as Christmas in this part of the world, for it signifies the sun's vacation is over and is on its way home. Being a first-timer on the continent, I kept hearing how important this milestone was. It was huge. This event would rival all holidays on the continent combined. It was festive and friendly. It was a moment to remember. We, this small group of people, shared a moment of cheers, smiles and dances at the bottom of the world in isolation that few ever experience. Last week, we took our midwinter photo, which is sent to the president of the United States each year. Each station takes a midwinter photo and sends it, along with a tongue-in-cheek invitation, to each station on the continent. We received greetings from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Britain, China, Japan, Korea, New Zealand and South Africa. Several dignitaries from these countries sent their greetings and salutations. As is customary each year, President Bush also sent a letter of thanks for our commitment and sacrifices. A reader wrote and asked me about "Big-Eyed Dreams." This is something that has been occurring since explorers have been wintering over in Antarctica. Physiologically, our hormonal system is on a 24.5-hour cycle. Without external cues, sunrise and sunset, our bodies will add one half hour to its "hormonal day" each day. When in an environment such as the long Antarctic nights, a person's hormonal day, because of the cycle, may occur in the middle of the night. Thus, you may lie there and stare at the ceiling when you should be sleeping. Hence, "Big Eyed Dreams." I have had no issue so far and sleep well. However, I can report anecdotally that there have been several cases. Approximately three days a week, a 3K weather balloon is released from our Balloon Inflation Facility (BIF) to take measurements that are recorded and viewed by scientists around the world. These balloons are made of polyethylene plastic and are filled with helium to produce a lift equal to 2,000 grams. Lift, in this case, is defined as the amount of helium needed to lift a 2,000 grams weight. Two thousand grams of lift is equivalent to 4.4 pounds. When released, the helium occupies a fraction of the balloon's capacity. However, when it reaches its maximum height of 60,000 to 100,000 feet, which is equivalent to 11 to 19 miles above the earth's surface, it has expanded to 3,000 cubic feet. This is the "K" in 3K. Three thousand cubic feet is the maximum size of expansion that this balloon can tolerate before it bursts. A radio transmitting data collection instrument, called a radiosonde, is attached to the balloon by a tether. The radisonde records and transmits air temperature, humidity, air pressure, elevation and wind speed and direction to a receiver located in the BIF. According to Kris Perry, who is on his second tour as a winter-over South Pole meteorologist, this information is e-mailed to a worldwide network that can be accessed by airports, forecasters and others who subscribe to the service. In addition, this information is sent to the Antarctic Meteorological Research Center at the University of Wisconsin Madison and the National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, North Carolina. Thus far everyone on station is still in good spirits. No one seems to be "toasted," or burned out. From previous winter-overs, who are currently wintering this year, we hear that July is the longest and most challenging month on the Ice. We shall see. In many ways, we have nothing to complain about. The new station is very comfortable. The food is excellent, with dishes such as steak and lobster, shrimp scampi, chicken schnitzel, Mexican food of all sorts, beef Wellington, pork tenderloin, and the tried and true hamburgers and pizza. Plus, we have spectacular auroras that dance above the station almost daily. In my next submission, we will cover the power plant, which is the most critical part of the station, for with it goes our lives. Thanks to everyone for taking interest in my chilly adventure. Remember, step outside and take a deep breath for everyone wintering in Antarctica. Troy Wiles, a 38-year-old physician's assistant from Frankfort, is part of a two-member medical team caring for about 600 researchers and staff at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station for a year. He is writing a journal for the Record-Eagle describing life at the pole. Write him at Troy.Wiles@usap.gov
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