What are your thoughts on volunteering in Antarctica?

I made 3 deployments there. So for whatever you think it is, it will be very different. USARP has contracted all that stuff out, so most US positions are low pay. The physical is tougher because it costs a bunch to get you out of there, especially in winter. There's more "community" at McMurdo vs. Pole. That said, it was the best job I ever had as an O-1/2. I would fly in during the Winter (C-130 skis) to build the Sea-Ice Runway. Once main body arrived, I was frequently doing traverses, laying out routes for heavy sleds and so Hueys could follow the flagged bread crumbs back to town in low vis. I was also Blasting Officer and Surface SAR. Pole station is very different now when I was there. More robust and comfortable facility. My take is a lot of the uniqueness that's out there is only experienced if you have an outside vs. inside job. If you work inside, the opportunities to get out are somewhat limited as everything costs. BTW, the crystal ball at the SP isn't the original. The Seabees "acquired" a bowling ball, dipped it in ceramic and chrome plated it. Used to have the plywood box labeled "Antarctic Crystal Ball Service". Left it for my relief.

Time stands still down there. If you are allowed to peek inside Scott's Discovery Hut, you'll be in a time warp back to seconds after they left. Like every place else in the world, there's a unique smell which is timeless too. There're 3 type of people down there. One and done types who have a short job to do or become dismayed and won't renew their contract. Middies who do it 2-4 seasons. Finally there are those who renew their contracts as they love the lifestyle. It can be much simpler there. Some of the long termers get entitlement syndrome, hence can be a problem.

BTW, outside jobs are very strenuous and you'll find that those tend to be "only younger ones need apply". There's no way I could do the job I had when I was 21-23 there now. I'm unqualified.

I would love to. I bet I could get some amazing astrophotography images If I went in the winter time. I haven't seen any positions for my agency there, so I doubt I'll ever get the opportunity.

Go for it! Try http://www.volunteerhq.org they are one of the best with a variety of opportunities! Good luck!