2026 marks a very special year for the 4th of July because it marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. Celebrations were heightened all over the US and McMurdo was no exception.
In traditional fashion, the fourth included a delicious barbecue spread made by the wonderful people of the galley, as well as lots of games. In carnival-style fashion, there were booths for making tie dye, trying your hand at bowling, a snacks area with cotton candy and corn dogs, as well as games such as musical chairs, human jenga (climbing a tower of cardboard boxes that you stack underneath you), and finally a dunk tank. Spirits were high and the festivities were a welcome reprieve from the difficulties of the winter. The absence of the sun and lack of fruit/vegetables can be difficult, both mentally and physically.
Unfortunately, there has been unusually bad weather these past few weeks (remarked upon by many who have been here for past winters). While we weren’t able to take data, we were able to fully repair one of the Fe Boltzmann lidar systems which had been running into issues with maintaining flow in the cooling system. We were also able to take care of some maintenance tasks, both within the lab and without (such as vehicle maintenance and otherwise).
The final fourth of July event will come on July 10th, when McMurdo will participate in a concurrent reading of the Declaration of Independence along with people all around the United States, to celebrate 250 years of independence. We’re looking forward to the event!
