BBC News Online: Sci/Tech

Eye on the polar sky

The scientific observations that can be performed from Antarctica are unique. It is the only place on Earth where there is a landmass to place instruments to study the upper atmosphere at such high latitudes.

The small trailer-like observatories take measurements that are either stored for retrieval later or relayed back to base via satellite.

The observatories house magnetometers which measure changes in the Earth's magnetic field caused by electrical disturbances in the upper atmosphere. These disturbances are caused by streams of particles thrown out by the Sun.

The observatories also house antennae to study radio waves in the atmosphere as well as an all-sky camera to study auroral lights.

"The Antarctic Observatories are helping foster better understanding of the Earth's response to solar activity," said John Lynch of the National Science Foundation in the United States.

Knowing the physics of the Earth's magnetic sheath, the magnetosphere, helps scientists predict geomagnetic storms that can disrupt power grids and satellite communications.

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