The unique world of Antarctica, where there are no time zones, allows you to live simultaneously in all time zones. But more often than not, polar explorers have clocks set at the time of delivery of food and equipment from the mainland.
Because of its position, Antarctica is perceived by many as the coldest place on Earth. In fact, it is not so cold here, especially closer to the coast. For the central regions of Antarctica, the temperature is more severe, so scientists at Vostok station can see minus 90 degrees on the thermometer. At Mirny station, which is located closer to the sea, the weather is no different from winter in southern Siberia.
The next misconception is the statement that the maximum ultraviolet radiation in Antarctica has been exceeded. It is indeed approaching its maximum, however, in the highlands of the planet and at the equator, the sun can be even more active even in cloudy weather.
Admiring the nature of Antarctica, many think that the polar night dominates here most of the time. The longest period of darkness is June 22nd. However, even then one should not expect a complete absence of light. There is a time on the mainland that makes some polar explorers draw an analogy with the St. Petersburg White Nights. The bright moon rises, and the ice of Antarctica is visible to the very horizon.
The harsh climate of Antarctica is made not by low temperatures, lack of light and activity of the sun, but by completely different natural elements. The most significant factor affecting the weather in Antarctica is strong winds. It blows almost all year round, cooling the air so much that minus 10 is perceived as minus 30 degrees. Due to the strong eddy currents, the earth literally begins to vibrate. When you are indoors, you can feel how the walls are shaking.
Sharp fluctuations in atmospheric pressure will not leave a chance for a peaceful existence for all people with cardiovascular diseases and meteorological dependence. Therefore, headaches and migraines among scientists in Antarctica are not uncommon. If the humidity in the center of the mainland is stable, then in the coastal regions it is also changeable, adding a few extra degrees to the subzero temperature.
One of the features of Antarctica is the unique gas composition of the atmosphere, reminiscent of the air of mountainous regions, despite the slight elevation above sea level. The thinness of the air is not felt, but the human body reacts identically to its lack. Increased fatigue, bouts of shortness of breath and nocturnal suffocation, as well as double vision - all this occurs against the background of normal atmospheric pressure. Adaptation to such a "mountain" sickness in combination with a strong load on the heart does not come soon. Therefore, the low temperature in Antarctica is the last thing everyone who is going to conquer this glacial continent should think about.
