Installing the Ob Tube

Dear Friend,

Today, workers from McMurdo installed an “Ob Tube” (short for Observation Tube). It helps people view sea life without getting wet. The workers use a giant ice drill, or auger, to make a hole in the six-foot-thick ice. Next, they lower the main viewing area of the tube—made of thick steel and windows—into the hole. Then, they bolt on the tube section that leads to the viewing area. Finally, they lower everything into the water, leaving about two feet of the tube above the surface. Now I’m ready to climb down into the tube under the ice to take a look!

Your friend,

Bob