Neumayer anniversary: 3 questions for...

Anja Weber is the current base commander of Neumayer Station III,. She takes care of the station's security, public relations and more. She is also the station doctor and therefore responsible for the medical care on the station.

1. Over a year in Antarctica, surrounded only by snow and ice: You have been base commander at Neumayer Station III for a few weeks now. How does it feel to live in such isolation?

I do not feel isolated here at all, because there are still 42 people living and working in the relatively large station, which has everything you need, so it is quite busy. But I think that feeling will change during the actual overwintering period, when there will only be twelve of us. When I am looking for isolation, I go for a walk and then only hear the crunching of the snow under my feet, or I drive to Atka Bay. There, you really have the feeling of being alone in an endless expanse.

2. Compared to the two previous stations, Neumayer Station III is huge. What is your favorite place on the station?

I have not been here that long yet, and I suspect that I will not find my favorite spot before the winter months. The so-called gallery, which surrounds the core area of the ward on deck 1, is a lovely place. You can sit there and look out of the windows, watch the penguins curiously approaching the station, or simply read in peace.

3. Taking a look into the future: What would you wish for the station in the next 15 years?

My wish for Neumayer III is that there will always be people who see the station not just as their temporary workplace, but who appreciate what is special about this place and will make a corresponding effort to treat the ageing lady with care.

As a meteorologist, Holger Schmithüsen was part of the second overwintering team at Neumayer Station III. Today, he is in charge of the meteorological observatories at the station and on the research vessel Polarstern.

1. There are already two predecessors of Neumayer Station III and, of course, several other research stations in the Antarctic. What do you think is special about Neumayer Station III?

Compared to the two predecessor stations Georg-von-Neumayer and Neumayer Station on the Ekström Ice Shelf, Neumayer III offers a completely different quality of life. There is daylight, and in addition to excellent working conditions for us scientists, there are also many nice common areas. Compared to other stations in the Antarctic, which were built on solid ground, for example, the compactness of Neumayer III is what makes it so charming for me. All of the infrastructure is combined in one building, so it is always easily accessible, even during difficult weather conditions; something that can not be taken for granted in the Antarctic.

2. In 2010, you spent the winter in snow and ice at Neumayer Station III. How would you describe your time at the station in one word?

Outstanding.

3. What advice would you give to future ÜWIs?

In my opinion, the most important personal qualities for a positive overwintering experience for everyone are inner balance, tolerance and mental stamina.