Friday, 09.01.2026

Mika in the far south

The last few days had been colder, and I had been hoping for snow at Christmas. As Mika and I unwrapped our presents under the brightly lit Christmas tree, Mika said, “Did you know that it’s summer in New Zealand at Christmas?”

I couldn’t really imagine a warm Christmas… but I was fascinated by this distant country so far south! Mika was even there this year and helped with measurements using a real research aircraft. So I asked, “Mika, can you finally show us some pictures from your time in New Zealand today? I’m so curious to see what it’s like there and, above all, what can be measured with an airplane.”

Mika nodded, pulled out a stack of pictures, and said, “It was totally exciting there! The aircraft had lots of measuring instruments on board. Many of them could capture water droplets and ice crystals in the clouds, count them, and determine their size.”

“That’s great! So you flew right into the clouds?” I wanted to know.

“Yes, exactly! They also examined particles that are involved in cloud formation. These are the condensation nuclei that Beril told us about!” explained Mika.

“I remember that, how exciting! But what is so different in the south compared to here in the North?” I asked.

“That’s a good question!” replied Mika. “Here, there are lots of these particles caused by humans, for example through traffic emissions. Very few people live that far south. They also say that the air is cleaner there. That’s why there aren’t as many of these particles and it’s so interesting to compare our clouds here with those far south. They are formed in different ways and have different properties. For example, there were also measuring devices on board that measured how much solar radiation the clouds reflected. All these measurements provide a good basis for learning more about the clouds in the south.”

“I see!” I said, nodding, and then asked, “And what was the daily routine like there?”

“The flight days were always very busy because all the instruments had to be prepared for the flight first. Then we finally took off, and I was allowed to fly with them a few times!” Mika recounted. “On ground days, the researchers looked at the measured data and checked the instruments so that they would measure correctly on the next flight. And, of course, plans were made for the next flights. I was very happy when it was decided to fly even further south.”

“How far south did you fly?” I asked excitedly.

“Oh, pretty far. I even saw the sea ice of Antarctica,” Mika said proudly.

“Wow!” I exclaimed, “So you’ve seen the sea ice of both polar regions. You were also in the Arctic recently and reported on it here. Next time, I definitely have to come with you, Mika. That would be my dream!”

“It was amazing to witness. That’s why I brought you lots of pictures. For example, from a trip to the sea on one of my days off. It was very windy there, but also really beautiful. Next year, we’ll travel together and learn lots of new things!”

My eyes lit up and I gave Mika a big hug. “Oh yes! For example, we have to find out why it’s summer in New Zealand at Christmas. The children there can never look forward to snow at Christmas…” I said thoughtfully.

Mika just laughed and said, “We’ll answer that question next year. But can we finally unwrap our presents now?”

I just nodded and laughed. So the new year begins and I am looking forward to many new adventures.