Multimedia Gallery
Auroras and iridium flare over Dark Sector
Auroras and an iridium flare appear over the Dark Sector of Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. An iridium flare is actually sun reflected off an iridium satellite. These satellites provide data and voice communication worldwide and are used by the U.S. Antarctic Program at remote sites. [Note: Please see special restrictions regarding use of this image, below.] (Date image taken: July 2008; date originally posted to NSF Multimedia Gallery: March 3, 2017)
Credit: Dr. Keith Vanderlinde; source: U.S. Antarctic Program photo library [Any commercial use of this image requires photographer's permission.]
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