Basic Information

Location: (75°35'23"S, 26°25'28"W) The Halley Base is located on an ice shelf on the mainland of Antarctica.
Completed: 1955

History

Halley is the fifth base to be built on the Brunt Ice Shelf. The first was set up for the IGY (International Geophysical Year) in 1957 and was named after the astronomer Edmond Halley. It filled an important gap in the IGY Antarctic network with studies in meteorology, glaciology, seismology, radio astronomy, and geospace science. Many of these studies have continued without being interrupted.

Science

The scientific programs done at the Halley base include atmospheric sciences, geology and glaciology. Studies at Halley are crucial for a global perspective on ozone reduction, atmospheric pollution, sea level rise, and climate change. Halley, lying within the auroral zone, is ideally situated for geospace research.

Weather

Other Information

The Halley base operates throughout the year with a maximum population of 65 in the summer and an average of 15 over winter. It is the UK's most isolated station and floats on an ice shelf on the mainland of Antarctica. In the winter there is darkness for 105 days, except of course for auroras that come every once in a while. Supplies are landed twice a year by ship onto the ice shelf and then towed on sledges by Sno-cats to Halley, probably about 12km from the ice edge.

Geographic Location