Astronomy in the long dark

ESA_events
recent  |  interesting  |  random  |  favorites  |  contacts  |  sets  |  tags:  
Astronomy in the long dark
Astronomy in the long dark

Living on Concordia research base in Antarctica is full of hardship but scenes like this make it all worthwhile.

The wooden constructions in the photo are observatory platforms for astronomers.

At 3200 m above sea level, the base receives no sunlight for four months during the winter period and temperatures can drop to –80°C. This makes it an ideal place to study stars and planets, if you are willing to brave the cold.

ESA-sponsored medical research doctor Alex Salam describes the experience: "despite the effects the darkness can have on sleep, mood and cognitive performance, there is something inherently special about the Antarctic night. The heavens present a view that many stargazers can only ever dream of."

For more read the Concordia blog at : blogs.esa.int/concordia/

Credits: ESA/IPEV/PNRA - A. Salam

© All Rights Reserved
Taken on: February 22, 2009
Tags: Everybody's photos tagged with milky way milky way Everybody's photos tagged with Concordia Concordia Everybody's photos tagged with astronomy astronomy more » Everybody's photos tagged with cold cold Everybody's photos tagged with antarctica antarctica « less
Sets appears in:   • Concordia DC5   
Camera: Canon EOS 40D, f/2.8, 30 sec, 17mm, ISO 800 (more info) (hide info)
Camera: Canon EOS 40D
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure Time: 30
Focal Length: 17mm
ISO: 800
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program: Manual
Exposure Mode: Manual
Metering Mode: Multi-segment
White Balance: Manual
Color Space: sRGB
Software: Adobe Photoshop CS3 Windows
Show full info
Stats: 4,957 views / 1 comment