Dr. Carpenter explains the history as well as the basis for the establishment of scientific observation stations in Antarctica such as Longwire, Sky High, Eights, Siple and Plateau. He also explains the forth years of research that was coordinated by Robert Helliwell's group at Stanford University. Dr. Carpenter discusses his 2002 award of the Dellinger medal from URSI (International Scientific Radio Union.) This award was in honor of his lifetime work in geospace physics and in particular for the discovery of the plasmapause, the outer boundary of the plasmasphere. His work was carried out largely with data acquired in the Antarctic, but also with data from satellites and various other ground stations set up during the International Geophysical Year Antarctic Expedition.