Davis research station in Antarctica sees sun for first time in over a month

Australia’s southernmost Antarctic station can go for weeks without seeing the sun during the winter months but the crew at Davis was rejoicing on Wednesday as they finally caught some rays again.

Sunrise at Davis welcome sign. Picture: David Knoff/Australian Antarctic Division

Day has finally dawned again at Australia’s southernmost Antarctic research station after it sat untouched by sunlight for over a month.

On Wednesday, the sun came out at Davis once more, delighting the researchers living and working there.

Located near the Vestfold Hills on the Ingrid Christensen Coast of Princess Elizabeth Land, Davis is about 20km from the edge of the continental ice sheet.

Sunrise over Davis lidar building. Picture: Derryn Harvie/Australian Antarctic Division

Despite experiencing weeks of low natural light, Davis station leader Brett Barlee said he and his colleagues’ time in “relative darkness” wasn’t as gloomy as people may think.

“Actually it’s a real treat to walk outside after breakfast and be treated to the brightest stars you’ve ever seen and the possibility of an Aurora,” he said.

Davis enjoys less sunlight hours during winter due to its southerly position on the frozen continent.

Mr Barlee said life and work in the dark were much the same as in normal circumstances.

“Imagine calling in at the pub on the way home from work in the winter time for a few quick ones. You step back outside to go home and then you realise, ‘Wow, it’s just got dark’. It’s about that dark here,” he said.

Aurora and sunrise at Davis Station. Picture: Aaron Stanley/Australian Antarctic Division

“You can find your way to the car okay, but it’s time to turn on the headlights.”

Mr Barlee and his crew arrived at Davis in November last year for winter and are now nine months into a one-year period at the station.

“Of course, we are looking forward with great anticipation to being reunited with loved ones again, but this will also be the end of a unique experience in our lives,” he said.

“It’s the little things that’ll be missed most, like the conversations and spontaneous sharing which is only possible when you are in the presence of like-minded people who have bonded together through a common experience.”