STORY: Lone Chinese researcher's winter in the Arctic
SHOOTING TIME: Nov. 30, 2023
DATELINE: Dec. 2, 2023
LENGTH: 00:03:14
LOCATION: Oslo
CATEGORY: SCIENCE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the Yellow River Station in Ny-Alesund
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): LI BIN, Deputy researcher, Polar Research Institute of China
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): LI BIN, Deputy researcher, Polar Research Institute of China
4. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): HE FANG, Deputy researcher, Polar Research Institute of China
5. SOUNDBITE 4 (Chinese): LI BIN, Deputy researcher, Polar Research Institute of China

STORYLINE:

The small town of Ny-Alesund lies in the heart of the Svalbard archipelago between mainland Norway and the North Pole. It hosts the world's northernmost year-round research station, which is pivotal to the exploration of Earth's polar extremes.

The compound included the Yellow River Station, China's first Arctic research station.

In wintertime in this land of eternal darkness, Li Bin, a deputy researcher at the Polar Research Institute of China, holds the fort. His only companion is the mesmerizing dance of auroras across the night sky.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): LI BIN, Deputy researcher, Polar Research Institute of China
"This is my second time to be stationed at the Yellow River Station, with the last stay of over 100 days from 2018 to 2019. During the polar night, it's also dark at noon, so we have the opportunity to observe the dayside aurora. Here may be the unique place in the world to see it."

Li meticulously monitors over 20 aurora observation instruments located across Ny-Alesund, Longyearbyen in Svalbard and Laugar in Iceland, gathering data that feeds into the global pool of aurora research.

On nights graced with vibrant aurora displays, Li ventures into the frigid wilderness, his camera and tripod in tow, to capture the ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): LI BIN, Deputy researcher, Polar Research Institute of China
"When I was taking pictures with my camera, I discovered some phenomena that may be difficult to be captured with traditional scientific equipment. I conducted various investigations and found this may be something worth researching."

In the face of heavy snowfall, he endures the harsh cold, trudging through the snow to maintain the essential equipment, ensuring their uninterrupted function.

The life of a polar researcher is not without perils and challenges. In the desolate expanses of Ny-Alesund, dangers lurk in the form of polar bears, and the psychological toll of enduring months of unending polar night is substantial.

SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): HE FANG, Deputy researcher, Polar Research Institute of China
"Wintering alone here means that he needs to adapt, mentally and physically, to this relentless environment of endless night in this isolated place. This is a very big challenge."

SOUNDBITE 4 (Chinese): LI BIN, Deputy researcher, Polar Research Institute of China
"I think passion and persistence must come first. It's not hard for me to work and live here, while as a scientific worker, I think it's more important to satisfy my curiosity. You can find something you are interested in to do, and you can also get the support from the government, the institute and the society. It's actually a very happy thing."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Oslo.
(XHTV)