Antarctic conservation blog archive

Becky, Tuesday 16 June 2009

Weather cold and clear; temperature -39C, light winds, moon just past full

We haven’t had any sunrises for a while now, but we do have the most beautiful moon rises. As we are so far south the moon doesn’t appear to rise up vertically so much as gradually roll round and up the sky, grazing the tops of the islands.

The moon over White Island © Antarctic Heritage Trust

The moon’s been so bright the last few days that we’ve been able to go for walks without needing a head torch. It’s wonderful to be able to see the sea, mountains and islands that surround Scott Base again.

Scott Base and Ross Sea by moonlight © Antarctic Heritage Trust

For the base science technician, Margaret, the bright moon provides the opportunity to take some important readings. She says: ’Much of the focus at the Arrival Heights lab is on atmospheric chemistry ie. what is in the various layers of atmosphere, and how the molecules in those layers are interacting and affecting our planet.

‘An example of an instrument I operate is the Dobson spectrophotometer (one of 80 Dobsons worldwide) which has been measuring ozone since 1988. Measurements are made using sunlight from September to March, and when there is a visible full moon during the long winter nights.

‘Ozone measurements change significantly over a year, and are at their lowest in spring, causing ‘the Ozone Hole’. Our measurements, and those of other Antarctic stations, signal the position and size of the hole. They also track its movement northwards, to warmer climes, as it disperses towardsthe end of the year.

‘My work helps the weather forecasters tells you when to wear sunscreen, because the ozone hole is breaking up as it moves north over New Zealand.’

A high bright moon over Black Island - ideal for taking readings © Antarctic Heritage Trust

Posted in Antarctica, Climate & weather, Climate change, Scott Base

4 Responses to “Moon gazing”

1. June 17th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
   Alex says:
   

   Beautiful pictures!

2. June 18th, 2009 at 10:27 pm
   Becky says:
   

   thanks Alex - I spent quite a bit of time working out my camera settings to take the moon pictures. I even had to read the manual! When it’s in the -30Cs and I’ve got big mitts on I have to make sure I don’t ned to alter much when I’m outside.
   Becky

3. June 22nd, 2009 at 2:17 pm
   Amrita says:
   

   WOW! Wonderful pictures..
   Becky.. Have you taken these picture? If yes, then i must say.. you are really an expert photographer.
   Please add some more pictures.
   I would love to view them.

   With Regards
   Amrita

4. June 25th, 2009 at 12:41 am
   Translation Agency says:
   

   Il ike this pictures.They look a bit cold,but nice:)