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Scientists Launch Seven-Year Antarctic Ice Drilling Project

2/24/2026

31 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

In November 2026, scientists reached the South Pole to begin a seven-year project.
They have a summer window from November to early February to drill six holes at least one and a half miles deep into the Antarctic ice.
The project involves installing long cables with hundreds of light detectors.
The upgrade enhances the IceCube Neutrino Observatory, a 15-year-old system with over 5,000 sensors in a gigaton of ice.

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Story summary

In November 2026, scientists reached the South Pole to begin a seven-year project.
They have a summer window from November to early February to drill six holes at least one and a half miles deep into the Antarctic ice.
The project involves installing long cables with hundreds of light detectors.
The upgrade enhances the IceCube Neutrino Observatory, a 15-year-old system with over 5,000 sensors in a gigaton of ice.