Australians Take a Dip in Sub-Zero Antarctic Waters to Celebrate Winter Solstice

Australian expeditioners in Antarctica took a dip in freezing waters on Thursday, June 21, to celebrate the winter solstice, when the days started to become longer.

Casey Station leader Rebecca Casey said midwinter day had been celebrated since the time of the earliest explorers, including Sir Douglas Mawson.

With outside temperatures around -22 degrees Celsius and water temperature around -2 degrees Celsius, a “mad tradition” of a feast, exchange of handmade gifts, midwinter play and messages from home would be held with the participation of scientists from Australia’s three Antarctic research stations and sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island.

There are currently 75 expeditioners living in Antarctica as part of the Australian Antarctic Program. Credit: Australian Antarctic Division via Storyful