News – Page 6 – ANSMET, The Antarctic Search for Meteorites

McMurdo, four years later

December 11, 2023

Greetings ANSMET enthusiasts! If you've been reading about our progress you know we've made it to McMurdo Station, prepping to get into the field. When we were last here, in January 2020, work had begun on the "Master Plan"- a grand scheme to upgrade the whole of McMurdo station; modernize,...

Saturday in McMurdo

December 9, 2023

We had a great second day in McMurdo! The day started at the Berg Field Center (the “BFC”) to sort through our sleep kits, kitchen boxes, and tent boxes to make sure we’re ready to eat, sleep, and survive in the field! The sleeping bags are rated to minus 60...

The work begins- the first full day in McMurdo

December 8, 2023

Yesterday, the ANSMET crew finally arrived on the Ice after several delays, including one final one. We boarded the bus and headed to the airport across the street from the terminal. We pulled up to the aircraft, only to turn back around because of a one hour delay. A mini...

First views from McMurdo

December 7, 2023

When I got up this morning I found I had received the following text: Yes, that is a text from McMurdo, sent by Minako! We had heard it was now possible to send and receive a few texts per day from McMurdo (just text, no photos), but it didn't...

Another update- they’re flying south.

December 6, 2023

For an old fart like me, it's amazing to get near-real-time updates. Two pics from Minako texted to me at the moment of departure (about 4:30 pm EST, 10:30 am CHC time)! As Dr. Righter reports, their ride is the legendary Kiwi Herc. Slow (about 7.5 hrs minimum), noisy...

All Systems Go!

December 6, 2023

As of a few minutes ago, the team finished their final pre-flight briefing. Here's hoping they are in the air soon and safely on their way to McMurdo! -Ralph

Lake Tekapo Adventures

December 6, 2023

Hi everyone, this is yet another post that's mostly a photo-dump. When the team found out two days ago they'd have the full day off Wednesday (their Wednesday, not mine in the US), they rented a car for a day trip to Lake Tekapo, about 3 hrs drive SW...

Feeding the eels

December 4, 2023

No, that's not a euphemism. At least I don't think it is. Apparently on their day off yesterday, four of the gang went off to a winery for a tasting, a picnic AND to feed the eels. That is definitely a new one for ANSMET field party members in...

Some fun during a (hopefully short) delay

December 3, 2023

Quick picture-dump here; the team's southbound flight from Christchurch to McMurdo has been delayed 24 hours. So in the absence of better news, here's some pics taken during some moments of tourism yesterday........... -Ralph, who is a wee bit jealous of the gang today.

The happiest field party in Christchurch

December 2, 2023

Hi everyone, time for me to share a little bit of news from Christchurch. The remaining 7 members of the field team (besides Brian) are all there, and are making good progress. Here's snippets from a few emails.... Minako writes: ".....We passed COVID tests (woo-hoo!!) and got all...

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