More Questions from Cy-Fair

Question: It is really interesting seeing what you're doing and that this is your job. How long do you have sunlight during each day? How do you get power? Is it similar to a generator or something completely different? Is there any way to survive without electricity? On a lighter note, how is the food? I hope, but can already tell, that you are enjoying yourself and that your experiments, etc. go well. Thank you, Brandon Jones Cy-Fair Answer: Brandon, We get 24 hours of sunlight right now. So it is easy to work anytime of day, but harder to get to sleep. We get power from a bunch of diesel or jet fuel powered generators. Here is a photo of the generators that supply the power for all the buildings at the ice runway. McMurdo Station has a much larger generator facility. The fuel for the power is delivered to McMurdo a couple of big ships that arrive each summer. I'll try to get a photo of the ships if I am still here when they arrive. It is possible to survive without electricity, but much easier with electricity. McMurdo is starting to test making their electricity from solar and wind power, as we have plenty of sunshine in the summer, and some wind in the winter. The food is pretty good. We don't always like what they are serving, but there are lots of options, they always have a vegetarian option, or you can make a sandwich. Also they have really good deserts and an ice cream machine. So no one is going to go hungry here. We are having a good time here. But everyone misses their families, and I think this will be especially noticeable at Thanksgiving. Otherwise, as long as the experiments go well, we will feel that it was worth all the effort.