Lab photo from the bridge of Rachel Weisend, Dr. Brandi Kiel Reese, Caleb Boyd
Greetings from the icebreaker R/V Nathaniel B. Palmer!
We are currently a week into transit and only a few hours away from the ice edge and Antarctic circle (66° 30' S).
A) A view of our sea conditions from the bridge and B) an explanation of the rough seas we are experiencing
In this past week of transit we have:
- Tested our stomachs and ever-improving sea legs as we travel around a sizeable storm (You may have noticed our ship's path has looked a little wonky at times)
- Learned the difference between swell sizes
- Learned that timing your movements based on the ship's trajectory is extremely helpful when opening doors and walking up or down stairs
- Honed our reflexes in catching our dinner plates, water bottles, laptops, and notebooks
- Attended a seminar about the types of wildlife we might encounter (penguins, and seals, and whales, oh my!)
- Caught the sunrise at 4 a.m. and sunset at 11 p.m.
Stargazing from the bow of the R/V Nathaniel B. Palmer.
- Midnight stargazing for the last time before there is no difference between day and night as we approach the Antarctic circle
Current location and trajectory as of January 2, 2023.
- Celebrated entering 2023 before the rest of the world!
- Made it up to the bridge
- Felt the shift from 14°C (~57°F) to freezing at 0°C
- Spotted our first iceberg!
More updates to come!
Written by Rachel Weisend
(65° 57.80' S, 179° 21.25' E)