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Close-up of a carbonaceous chondrite from the Belgica Mountains, containing some of the oldest condensed phases of the Solar Nebula (white inclusions). 

When a meteorite is found in the field, its GPS position and a provisional number are noted, after which the rock is put in a plastic bag. The meteorites are kept frozen for their journey to the Royal Belgian Institute for Natural Sciences and are then defrosted with care to avoid any alteration of the samples.

Micrometeorites recovered from the Belgica Mountains. Micrometeorites between 50 micrometer and 2 mm in diameter are very important to understand the origin and evolution of the solar system. They contain information different from that provided by larger meteorites and may derive fromunknown asteroids.

Here newly arrived crew and scientists practice bringing an injured colleague back to the station for emergency treatment.  For health and safety reason, each new batch of crew and scientists must undergo medical and field training before they can head out into the feild on research expeditions.

Team members and scientists who just arrived at the station practice rescuing inured colleagues while on a a field expedition away from the station. This is an essential skill for everyone to learn before they are allowed to go on a field expedition.

On December 24th, 2024, the new hydrogen production facilities were inaugurated at the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica. The first hydrogen produced was used to fill a radiosonde balloon, which are regulary launched from the station.

On December 24th 2024, the new hydrogen production facilities developed by engineers Mathilde Renard and Nicolas Herinckx this year were inaugurated at a ceremony led by BELARE team leader Alain Hubert and engineer Mathilde Renard.

The IPF team gets ready to launch the first weather balloon using hydrogen produced at PEA, December 24th, 2024.

In late December 2024, members of the BELARE team headed to the coast to prepare the site where members of the NISAR and PASPARTOUT projects will install instruments.