Astrophysicist Robert Schwarz Holds Winter-Over Record for Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station

October 15, 2018

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The idea of spending six months in the darkness of a South Pole winter may not appeal to many -- it involves ice as far as the eye can see, sub-zero temperatures and no flights in or out, from February to October.

But none of that has deterred astrophysicist Robert Schwarz of the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities College of Science and Engineering. He holds a place unique in history: Over the past 22 years, he has spent 14 Southern Hemisphere winters at the pole, more than anyone who has ever lived. Though others have come close over the decades, Schwarz holds the record.

"It's an absolutely amazing place," he said.