THE SUN SHINES AGAIN ON N.Z. ANTARCTIC BASE

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28679, 1 September 1958, Page 7

THE SUN SHINES AGAIN ON N.Z. ANTARCTIC BASE

(New Zealand Press Association)

SCOTT BASE, August 30. Antarctica’s summer sun shone on Scott Base today after an absence of nearly five months. This return of the sun was carefully watched and waited for by members of the New Zealand International Geophysical Year expedition. . j It was a great thrill when the edge of the sun’s disc momentarily appeared in the gap between Mount Erebus and Mount Terra Nova for the first time this season. After the long, period of darkness, the sun, and the accompanying daylight, is especially welcome. It is pleasant and exciting to be able to see when outdoors and equally pleasant to be able to observe the surrounding scenery from the windows in the base.

Although temperatures remain at below —4O degrees Fahrenheit, the' presence of the sun seems to bring warmth as well as light. Four members of the expedition saw the sun a week before its rays first shone on Scott Base.

This occurred last Saturday when Maurice Speary, Mike Gibson, Donald Thompson and Linden Martin climbed to the top of the nearby Crater Hill. From this vantage point 1100 feet above sea level they were able to watch the sun rise and skim along the horizon. Throughout the week beautiful cloud effects were seen from Scott Base as cirrus mother of pearl clouds reflected the colours of the dawn. In ever-changing iridiscent patterns, each cloud presented in delicate pastel shades all the colours of the rainbow.