Mawson Station

Welcome, intrepid explorers and scholars of the extreme, to Mawson Station. We are standing—at least in spirit—at the literal end of the world. …

We begin at the logistical gateway of the station: Horseshoe Harbor. This natural harbor is the primary point of arrival for the icebreaker ships that sustain the base. …

Among the red buildings of the station stands a structure that looks like a 'giant golf ball': the Cosmic Ray Observatory. From a scholarly and scientific standpoint, this is one of the most 'seriously cool' facilities at Mawson. …

Antarctica may be a 'frozen desert,' but it is 'teaming with life.' Near Mawson Station, the stars of the show are the Adélie Penguins. These 'little guys are like the class clowns of the penguin world,' and watching them waddle,…

In a world where fresh produce is a luxury, the hydroponic greenhouse at Mawson is a site of 'miraculous work.' Here, the station's chefs and scientists manage to 'grow some of their own vegetables' in a controlled, soil-free…

When the 'fog rolls in' and you 'can't see your hand in front of your face,' the 'Reck Room' becomes the social hub of Mawson. It is here that the 'community' truly forms. …

We return to Horseshoe Harbor for the most 'mad and ridiculous' tradition in the Antarctic calendar: the Midwinter Swim. To celebrate the 'winter solstice and the return of the sun,' station residents cut a hole in the sea ice…

As our analytical exploration of Mawson Station draws to a close, we must reflect on the 'life-changing' nature of this environment. We have seen the 'bright red buildings' that serve as a 'little oasis of civilization,' the…