Way back in November I wrote about how the dome at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station was being demolished and shipped home because it had been replaced by a newer, more energy efficient building. That dome had been an iconic symbol at the Pole for 30 years, and there was a movement afoot to get the dome reassembled back in the States as a monument to the research and exploration that has gone on there for three decades.
January 15th was the end of an era, as the deconstruction of the dome was completed at last. The photo below was taken of the entire team at the station, with just two sections of the dome still standing. After the photo was shot, those last two sections were taken down, and the building was officially decommissioned. You can find out more at SouthPoleStation.com and you can see this a larger version of the photo by clicking here.
While I’m sure the new, six story tall building, will be a fine home for the scientists, researchers, and staff at the Pole, it’ll hardly cut the horizon in the same way that the dome once did. It’ll be a very different view for the explorers that make their way to that spot in the future, that much is for sure.
Thanks to Lou-Phi for reminding me of this story. Much appreciated as always! 🙂
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Awesome trip!! Putting up the dome surely not an easy job, where close temperatures seldom reach 0 degrees Fahrenheit. The foundation proved to be the trickiest part as a crucial piece of machinery couldn’t handle the harsh situation.
Best Regard,