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\nSpace may be the final frontier for human exploration but it is certainly not the only frontier. Remote areas on Earth, like Antarctica, continue to draw researchers and explorers for their otherworldly potential.\n<\/p>\n
\nPristine environments, limited resources, and near-complete isolation are just some of the attractions of Antarctica, often termed the White Desert. Numerous research stations dot the outer regions of the continent where scientists gather data on glaciology, seismology, climate change and the stars.\n<\/p>\n
\nThe French-Italian Concordia research station is one of three year-round stations and is located on Dome C, a plateau some 3200 m above sea level. Secluded from the world in inhospitable conditions, the crew stationed there tackle temperatures that can drop to \u201380\u00b0C in the winter, with a yearly average temperature of \u201350\u00b0C.\n<\/p>\n
\nThe air is extremely dry, so the crew suffer from continuously chapped lips and irritated eyes. The great open landscape alternates between months of night and months of daylight, and colours, smells and sounds are almost non-existent, adding to the sense of loneliness.\n<\/p>\n
\nIn other words, Concordia is perfect.\n<\/p>\n
\nHere, researchers study the atmosphere, free from pollution, to gain insights into how the world\u2019s population is changing Earth\u2019s climate. Scientists conduct glaciology research by analysing the Antarctic plateau to reveal clues to our past as chemicals are trapped and frozen in the ice.\n<\/p>\n
\nThe thin atmosphere, clear skies and zero light-pollution around Concordia make it an enviable place for observing the Universe. The very southern location of Antarctica also makes it ideal for studying Earth\u2019s magnetic field.\n<\/p>\n
\nDelving deeper, Concordia is looking at the inside movements of Earth. A seismograph at Concordia measures movement and the research base is part of the international network of seismograph stations.\n<\/p>\n
\nAnd then there is the human factor. Despite all the hardships of life in Antarctica, up to 16 people spend around a year at a time living in Concordia in the name of science. In addition to helping conduct other experiments and station maintenance, they are an experiment themselves. And ESA sends a medical doctor to Concordia to study the crew, like this year\u2019s resident Dr Carmen Possnig, imaged above. \n<\/p>\n
\nThe elevation, isolation and sensory deprivation can wreak havoc on crewmembers\u2019 biological clock, making it hard to get a good night\u2019s sleep. Researchers track the effects of this on the human body and mind which adds to data being collected on astronauts on the International Space Station.\n<\/p>\n
\nInsights are used to help people on Earth like shift workers, bedridden patients and those suffering from sleep disorders, and of course, astronauts serving in low Earth orbit.\n<\/p>\n
\nAntarctic research at Concordia is helping humans adapt, mentally and physically, to a changing climate, a longer voyage in space, and eventually, life on another planet.\n<\/p>\n