Antarctica Special Assignment

Antarctica Special Assignment: Part 3

Posted: Feb 20, 2013 9:27 AM by Suzanne Philippus
Updated: Feb 20, 2013 9:27 AM

A handful of Montana residents spend the winter in one of the loneliest places on earth, the South Pole.
Only about 50 people spend the winter there, but right now, during our winter, it's summer at the bottom of the world.

Few people get to actually make it to the South Pole, and if you do get there, you must dress for the occasion by donning 45 pounds of clothes.

The facility Montana State University researchers spent their time at at the South Pole is the nerve center for many critical, scientific experiments. Studying the ozone layer is just one of the many experiments being conducted here. Scientists also use powerful telescopes to study the galaxy, seeking deeper understanding of our universe.

Observing and measuring the atmosphere and outer space from the bottom of the earth may seem strange, however, it's the transparent, very cold and cleanest air on earth, that is required for sensitive equipment to run constantly.

Watch the video in the player above to see more.