<br /> <p>Australian expeditioners in Antarctica took a dip in freezing waters on Thursday, June 21, to celebrate the winter solstice, when the days started to become longer.</p><p>Casey Station leader Rebecca Casey said</a> midwinter day had been celebrated since the time of the earliest explorers, including Sir Douglas Mawson.</p><p>With outside temperatures around -22 degrees Celsius and water temperature around -2 degrees Celsius, a “mad tradition” of a feast, exchange of handmade gifts, midwinter play and messages from home would be held with the participation of scientists from Australia’s three Antarctic research stations and sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island.</p><p>There are currently 75 expeditioners living in Antarctica as part of the Australian Antarctic Program. Credit: Australian Antarctic Division via Storyful</p><br />
