Current Time in Orcadas
Culture of time in Antarctica
Culture of time in Antarctica
"Arbitrary time zones" that differ for each base
Since there are no borders in Antarctica, each observation base in each country adopts its own country's standard time or the time of the country from which supplies are sourced. Therefore, there may be time differences between adjacent bases.
Life in the polar region where the concept of day and night becomes ambiguous
In Antarctica, the sun does not set for 24 hours in summer and does not rise at all in winter, and there are polar days and polar nights. Therefore, a sense of time that depends on sunlight does not work, and time is managed by artificial lighting and daily rhythms.
Strict adherence to time in communal living
When living together with a limited number of people, schedules such as work hours and meal times are strictly managed. A high sense of time is maintained because even a small delay affects the whole group.
Values regarding time in Antarctica
Time use that prioritizes "safety" over "efficiency"
Safety is prioritized over efficiency when working in extreme environments. Extended working hours and changes to plans occur on a daily basis, and the most important thing is to "not push yourself too hard."
Scientific and record-based time management is paramount
Many research activities, such as meteorological observations and geological surveys, are linked to strict time data, and the recorded time is also used for international scientific sharing, so the accuracy of time is emphasized.
Act on a "mission basis" rather than daily time
There is a strong sense of time based on one observation or work mission rather than a daily division, and flexibility is also required, such as "do it until it's finished" and "don't start until you're ready."
Things foreigners should know about time when traveling or relocating to Antarctica
The definition of "local time" varies from base to base
Tourists and researchers visiting Antarctica must follow the time used by the base (e.g. New Zealand time, Chilean time, etc.). It is essential to check in advance.
Activity times are operated according to pre-agreed rules
Everything, including meals, sleeping, and work, is on a pre-determined timetable, and team agreement takes precedence over personal convenience.
Communications with the outside world are limited to a limited time
Due to the nature of communications satellites and power restrictions, Internet and telephone usage times may be limited. Not suitable for real-time communication.
Fun facts about time in Antarctica
A continent where time zones from all over the world coexist
Antarctica is the intersection of all longitudes, and in theory, it is considered to be a place where "all time zones exist." However, actual operations are decided by each base.
The sun without clocks is the standard
The sun does not set during the summer polar day, so people live their lives based on what they should do rather than what time it is. It is said that this helps people develop a sense of not relying on the clock.
Changes in time perception can lead to "Antarctic depression"
The polar night and monotonous rhythm of life can cause a vague sense of time, leading to a phenomenon known as "Antarctic depression (polar blue)," in which people feel mentally unwell.