NSF considers alternatives for treating ill South P...( tional Guard and RZNAF C-130s all contr...),Health

Usually, the first flights into coastal McMurdo take place at the end of September.

Flights to the South Pole, however, do not begin until late October or early November, when temperatures have increased. The average temperature at the Pole at this time of year is 60 degrees Celsius (76 degrees Fahrenheit).

Currently some 58 scientists and staff are spending the austral winter at the South Pole station. Some are overseeing the operation of highly sophisticated telescopes that take advantage of the pristine Polar atmosphere as an astronomy observatory, some are working on building a new, modern station at the Pole and others work in a variety of support roles that keep the station functioning.

NSF officials will continue to monitor the patient's condition to determine whether an evacuation is necessary.

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Contact: Peter West
pwest@nsf.gov
703-292-7761
National Science Foundation
11-Sep-2003