Antarctic scientists get base added to Pokémon Go

A team of scientists stationed in Antarctica has successfully secured the addition of their remote research facility as a location in Pokémon Go. This unique achievement came about after both scientists discovered their shared interest in the game, each having made individual attempts to have the continent’s most isolated research base recognized as an in-game PokéStop.

In a recent conversation, Australian researchers Raimon Hennessy and Pete Rizzo shared their journey of how they caught the attention of the game’s developer, Niantic, through a post on Reddit. This engagement ultimately led to the inclusion of the Davis Research Station within the game.

Hennessy noted, “There’s not a lot of downtime here in Antarctica. We get weekends off, but there’s still plenty to keep us busy.” He enjoys exploring the stunning landscapes with his camera and playing various computer games during his free time.

Initially, Hennessy’s partner had requested him to send in-game Pokémon Go postcards from the base, but he soon found out that there were no PokéStops nearby. “My partner had asked a question on the official Reddit page about getting the base added, and I was surprised to learn that our doctor, Rizzo, had also submitted a request for a PokéStop!”

The duo is part of a small team of 28 scientists stationed at the Davis Research Station, which is currently focused on monitoring atmospheric temperatures, ultraviolet radiation, and ozone levels, alongside conducting ground-based research on Antarctic seabirds.

As the communications technician at the station, Hennessy is responsible for ensuring that expeditioners stay connected with family and friends back home. “We have a 20Mb satellite connection back to Australia that keeps us in contact at all times,” he explained.

This connection also allows Hennessy and Rizzo to enjoy playing Pokémon Go, albeit only while accessing Wi-Fi in designated areas of the base. Rizzo mentioned, “The PokéStops and gym are within the station limits; however, we only have 2G without data, so we have to navigate between different buildings that offer Wi-Fi access.”

According to Rizzo, “One PokéStop is located next to our living quarters, which boasts a spacious living room with dining facilities below, as well as a bar, pool table, and ping pong.” Hennessy has the opportunity to visit the two stops nearly every day due to his work location in the yellow operations building, while the gym poses a bit more of a challenge as it is further away in the ‘Pineapple’ building, an old meteorology building that has now been converted into a music studio.

Meanwhile, Pokémon Go is gearing up for this year’s summer Go Fest events, which are anticipated to introduce new characters and gameplay mechanics, building excitement within the gaming community.