EAS Publications Series, 2008

Abstract. A description of the early days of infrared site testing at the South Pole is given, with special attention paid to the data which quantified the conditions during summer and the long twilight period. Such times are also provide relatively benign conditions for humans in Antarctica as well. We show that they are favourable for many observing programs that require the thermal infrared, and then dis-cuss a number of specific projects that could be undertaken. Such projects might mark the first to be conducted with any new telescope in Antarctica, as they would enable science to be carried out during the commissioning period.