Alone in Antarctica: Richard Byrd's Deadly Solitude | E 155

In 1934, Admiral Richard Byrd spent five months alone in a tiny shack in Antarctica collecting weather data during polar winter. His shelter's poor ventilation caused carbon monoxide poisoning, nearly killing him. Despite severe illness, Byrd continued his scientific observations and initially hid his condition to prevent risking rescuers' lives. After a failed first attempt, his team eventually completed a treacherous 123-mile journey to save him. Byrd's experience led to the banning of solo Antarctic missions and influenced later studies on isolation for military and space programs.