AAAS: “Earthquake sensors buried in the quietest spot on Earth.” In early January, researchers finished drilling two 2.5-km-deep holes in the South Pole’s ice using jetted hot water. “Earth is a noisy place…ocean waves, wind, weather—even animal stampedes and vehicular traffic—all produce noise that seismologists must filter out.” Earth’s rotation, which distorts the long-period waves of seismic events and Earth’s background “hum,” is another problem. “Seismologists know of only one place that solves both issues: the South Pole, [which] is cold and quiet, far from any ocean, and lacks human infrastructure—as one of Earth’s poles, it also eliminates the rotational effects. Will be ready in a month. Wonderful scientific collaboration.