We’re CAMPING in Antarctica – here are the things we do and don’t do while we are living here

• Pair of scientists revealed what day to day living is like camping in Antarctica 
• The lifestyle lacks showers, sunsets and animal sightings, they explained
• But going outside in freezing weather and outdoor food storage are the norm

A pair of scientists stationed in Antarctica have opened up about the realities of everyday life within the unforgiving climate on the continent.

The two scientists, Austin Carter and Julie, took to TikTok to share five things they ‘can and cannot do while living in a remote field camp in Antarctica.’ 

The duo are camping out at McMurdo Station, which was originally established in 1955, for nearly two more months while conducting research on ancient ice samples: ‘The ice here is over a million years old, and we’re really interested in studying the climate of the past,’ explained Austin.

‘We cannot shower while we’re here. There’s no running water,’ Julie began.

Scientists Austin Carter and Julie took to TikTok to share what life is like camping in Antarctica

The duo, along with a team of scientists, are on a research expedition, gathering ancient ice samples to discover information about climate trends

For drinking water, she further explained, ‘we actually boil the ice that we live on.’

Second: Austin emphasized it’s quite possible to go outside when the weather is below freezing, just with ‘lots of layers.’ 

The coldest recorded temperature in Antarctica – also the lowest on record anywhere on Earth – was nearly -194 Fahrenheit. That chilliest-ever weather was measured at Vostok Station in 1983.

Third: ‘We cannot see the sunset while we’re here,’ Julie shared.

‘Due to the tilt of the Earth’s axis, and because we’re very far south, and it’s summertime here, the sun is 24/7 in the sky.

‘So it’s very bright all the time!’ 

Austin added that it was ‘almost midnight’ as they recorded the video – though the lighting looked more like midday does most other places on the planet.

Fourth: At the place where they’ve set up base camp, they ‘can’t actually see wildlife here,’ said Austin. 

There’s no running water – which means no shower, said Julie. But they boil the ice layered across the landscape for drinking water

Austin said that they are prepared to go outside in below freezing temperatures

Because of where they are on Earth, the sun never sets, said Julie

Though most wildlife lives toward the coastline – while Austin and Julie were staying inland – Austin said that they will occasionally spot the wayward bird

Julie added that they basically live in a ‘freezer,’ making outdoor food storage quite viable

Thousands of commenters offered a wide variety of reactions to the scientists’ video

They’ve set up camp further inland, Austin explained, ‘and most of the animals live along the coast.

‘Every now and then, we get to see a bird, and it’s pretty exciting,’ he added.

Fifth: The great outdoors works just fine as a ‘freezer’ when it comes to general food storage. 

‘There are no bugs or predators, and we basically live inside a freezer,’ said Julie.

Viewers shared their many reactions to the video, which has racked up nearly two million likes in three days, through more than 10,000 comments. 

‘Honestly living in Antarctica might be worth it if I never have to see another spider again,’ one wrote, with another echoing: ‘You sold me with no bugs.’

‘Is there Shen Yun advertising?’ someone joked of the ubiquitous marketing for the US-based, Chinese-heritage dance company.

‘I’d go insane without showering 50 days,’ chimed in one hygienic spectator. 

‘Wow!! That is so neat! What’s the living situation? Is it cozy inside at least?’ someone questioned. 

Austin sweetly responded: ‘Thanks for watching! We sleep and eat inside tents, and there’s a stove for warmth. But it’s the people that make it cozy.’

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