TLDR: The Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station is a scientific research station located at the South Pole in Antarctica. It is run by the United States and is named after Roald Amundsen and Robert F. Scott, who were explorers that raced to reach the South Pole in the early 1900s.

The Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station is a research station located at the South Pole of the Earth. It is the southernmost point under the jurisdiction of the United States. The station is situated on the high plateau of Antarctica, at an elevation of 9,301 feet above sea level. It is operated by the National Science Foundation as part of the United States Antarctic Program.

The original Amundsen–Scott Station was built in 1956 as part of the International Geophysical Year, a scientific effort to study the polar regions of Earth. Before the station was built, there was no permanent structure at the South Pole, and very few people had ever been to the interior of Antarctica. The station has been continuously occupied since it was built and has undergone several upgrades and expansions over the years.

The station is the only inhabited place on Earth where the Sun is continuously visible for six months, followed by six months of continuous darkness. During the winter months, temperatures can drop below -70°C (-94°F) and blizzards are common. However, the station is an excellent location for scientific research, particularly in the fields of glaciology, geophysics, astrophysics, and biology.

The station is home to a small population of scientists and support staff, with the number varying depending on the season. During the summer months, the population can reach around 150 people, while in the winter it drops to around 50. The station is self-sufficient during the winter months and relies on three generators running on jet fuel for power.

The Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station is equipped with various facilities and instruments for scientific research. These include a skiway for aircraft, accommodation for the personnel, observatories for astronomy and astrophysics, computer systems for research and communication, and a greenhouse for growing fresh vegetables. The station is also a base for conducting experiments in glaciology, geophysics, seismology, and biology.

In terms of transportation, the station has a runway for aircraft and is supplied by ski-equipped Hercules aircraft from McMurdo Station. There is also a snow road over the ice sheet that connects the station to McMurdo.

Communication at the station is facilitated through satellite links, including NASA's TDRS satellites and the commercial Iridium satellite constellation. The station also has a ham radio system for non-commercial communication.

The Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station is an important hub for scientific research in Antarctica. It provides valuable insights into the Earth's climate, geology, and astronomy. The extreme conditions at the South Pole make it a unique and challenging environment for scientists to study.

Related Links:

• Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station
• National Science Foundation