Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station

The station sits at 2835 meters elevation on an Antarctic ice sheet measuring 2850 meters thick, experiencing temperatures between -13 and -82 degrees Celsius.

The United States Navy construction team completed the initial base during November 1956 to support research activities for the International Geophysical Year in 1957.

Scientists at the station conduct investigations in glaciology, geophysics, meteorology, upper atmosphere physics, astronomy, and astrophysics throughout the extreme seasons.

During summer months, the facility houses 200 personnel, while winter staffing reduces to several dozen individuals who maintain operations through the Antarctic night.

The station maintains a hydroponic greenhouse facility that produces fresh vegetables, providing the only source of non-preserved produce during winter isolation periods.

Location: Antarctic Treaty area

Inception: November 1956

Elevation above the sea: 2,835 m

GPS coordinates: -89.99750,139.27280

Latest update: May 27, 2025 07:06