The station Vostok is on the polar cap at an altitude of about 3500 m. Vostok comprises a special complex for geophysical research together with accommodation and power generating facilities. Its location far inland at a high altitude provides a unique astroclimate. From 1958 to 1980, the mean annual temperatures were -55.3°C at Vostok, -49.3°C at Amundsen-Scott (S. Pole), and -11.3°C at Mirny (near the coast). Mirny recorded an average of 199 days/year with strong wind, Vostok only 3.2. The mean number of days/month with heavy cloud were 3.4 at Vostok, 4.0 at Amundsen-Scott, and 6.6 at Mirny. The number of days/year with little cloud: Vostok : 361, Mirny : 174.