We’re camping in Antarctica – these are the things we do and don’t do while living here

A pair of scientists based in Antarctica have spoken about the realities of daily life in the continent’s unforgiving climate.

Two scientists, Austin Carter and Julie, shared five things on TikTok “that they can and cannot do while living in a remote field camp in Antarctica.”

The duo camped out at McMurdo Station, originally established in 1955, for almost two more months while they researched ancient ice samples: “The ice here is over a million years old and we’re very interested in understanding the past climate to study,” Austin explained. .

“We can’t take a shower while we’re here.” “There is no running water,” Julie begins.

The duo is on a research expedition with a team of scientists, collecting ancient ice samples to gather information about climate trends.

As for drinking water, she further explained, “We actually boil the ice we live on.”

Second, Austin stressed that it’s perfectly possible to go outside in sub-freezing temperatures, just with “very layers.”

The coldest recorded temperature in Antarctica – and also the lowest ever recorded on Earth – was nearly -194 Fahrenheit. The coldest weather ever was recorded at Vostok Station in 1983.

Third, “We can’t see the sunset while we’re here,” Julie said.

“Because of the tilt of the earth’s axis and because we are very far south and it is summer here, the sun is in the sky 24 hours a day.”

“So it’s always very bright!”

Austin added that it was “almost midnight” when they shot the video – although the lighting looked more like midday than most other places on the planet.

Fourth, where they set up their base camp, “they can’t actually see any wildlife here,” Austin said.

There is no running water – which means there is no shower, Julie said. But they boil the ice present in the landscape into drinking water

Austin said they were prepared to go outside in freezing temperatures

Because of its location on Earth, the sun never sets, Julie said

Although most of the wildlife lives near the coast — while Austin and Julie stayed inland — Austin said they’ll occasionally see the odd bird.

Julie added that they essentially live in a “freezer,” which makes it very possible to store food outside

Thousands of commenters expressed a variety of reactions to the scientists’ video

They camped further inland, Austin explained, “and most of the animals live along the coast.

“Every now and then we see a bird and it’s quite exciting,” he added.

Fifth, nature works well as a “freezer” when it comes to general food storage.

“There are no insects or predators and we basically live in a freezer,” Julie said.

Viewers shared their numerous reactions to the video, which garnered nearly two million likes in three days, in more than 10,000 comments.

“Honestly, living in Antarctica might be worth it if I never have to see a spider again,” wrote one, while another repeated: “You’ve convinced me I don’t have bugs. “

“Are there any ads for Shen Yun?” Someone joked about the pervasive marketing for the US-based dance company with Chinese roots.

“I would go crazy if I didn’t shower for 50 days,” said one observer of hygiene.

‘Wow!! This is so wonderful! How is the living situation? Is it at least comfortable inside?’ someone asked.

Austin kindly replied, “Thanks for watching! We sleep and eat in tents and there is a stove for warmth. But it’s the people that make it fun.”