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CONTENTS
VOLUME 182 NO. 9
98
Solar Express One adventurer’s plan to fly a solar-powered plane around the world, packing 880 pounds of batteries— and not one drop of fuel.
The Coolest Building on Earth
The United States’ new $165 million Antarctic research station is the most ambitious outpost to date on a continent already full of extremes. Take a trip to 90 degrees south—the world’s coldest construction site.
104 Looking for a Miracle
Gas-saving devices make big claims. But can these cheap (or pricey) add-on gadgets really boost mileage? We’re willing to try anything once.
116
Bright Lights, Low Volts The latest low-voltage kits make it easier than ever to create dramatic outdoor lighting.
120 You Are (Absolutely, Precisely) Here
PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHN JACOBSEN (THIS PAGE)
It isn’t just for driving anymore. With the technology spreading into everything from watches to cellphones, GPS will change your life.
The new Amundsen-Scott South Pole station will be completed in 2008.
Popular Mechanics (ISSN 0032-4558) is published monthly by Hearst Communications, Inc., a unit of the Hearst Corporation, 959 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10019, U.S.A. Victor F. Ganzi, President, Chief Executive Officer; George R. Hearst Jr., Chairman; Frank A. Bennack Jr., Vice Chairman; Catherine A. Bostron, Secretary; Ronald J. Doerfler, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Hearst Magazines Division: Cathleen Black, President; Mark F. Miller, Executive Vice President; George J. Green, Executive Vice President; Raymond J. Petersen, Executive Vice President; John A. Rohan Jr., Vice President and Group Controller. Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY, and additional mailing offices. Canada Post International Publications Mail Product (Canadian Distribution) Sales Agreement No. 40012499. Send retur