Aussie Antarctic research teams to take part in icy annual tradition, midwinter swim

Source: Xinhua| 2019-06-21 09:42:22|Editor: Shi Yinglun
Video PlayerClose

SYDNEY, June 21 (Xinhua) -- To mark the shortest day of the year and the midway point of the chilly winter season, it's a long-held tradition among Australian Antarctic expeditioners to take a dip in the icy waters of the frozen continent.

While the bizarre midwinter ritual might not be everyone's idea of a good time, Davis Research Station Leader Simon Goninon said on Friday that the expeditioners actually look forward to the annual event.

"When it's below minus 23 degrees centigrade on the ice, and about minus 1.5 degrees centigrade in the water, and you strip down to your budgie smugglers (underwear), believe me you know you're alive," he said.

"It's one of those things, you know it might sting a bit but it's an occasion you'll remember forever," he said.

With the astronomical winter solstice set to occur on Saturday (June 22) at 1:54 a.m. local time, it is the furthest the South Pole will be from the sun all year.

According to Goninon, it also marks a significant milestone for Aussie researchers and expeditioners who are posted to the continent for 12-18 month stints.

"This is a turning point for our team and it also means the sun will soon return to the continent after weeks of living in twilight, when the sun has just been skimming below the horizon," he said.

"The midwinter celebrations will also include a magnificent feast, exchange of handmade gifts, home-grown entertainment and messages from home," he said.

There are currently 74 expeditioners at Australian research facilities in Antarctica.

TOP STORIES
EDITOR’S CHOICE
MOST VIEWED
EXPLORE XINHUANET
010020070750000000000000011100001381609811
国产无码在线观看免费在线,37pao国产成视频,日韩一区二区视频在线,国产国产人免费人成免费视频麻豆
在线观看国产欧美美女乳头 | 中文字幕一本精品在线 | 制服丝袜99在线不卡 | 日韩一级毛欧美一级国产一级 | 亚洲福利国产精品合集在线看 | 在线a免费v网站 |