Antarctic Guide Blog
Norway marks Amundsen’s south pole feat 100 years on
Dozens of scientists and explorers have joined the Norwegian prime minister to mark 100 years since Roald Amundsen led the first expedition to the south pole. At the pole, PM Jens Stoltenberg paid tribute to “one of the most outstanding achievements of mankind”. But bad weather has obstructed several explorers who had hoped to reach […]
‘Brinicle’ ice finger of death filmed in Antarctic
Viewers of the BBC’s Frozen Planet were treated to the first ever footage of a brinicle, a deadly finger of ice that kills everything in its path. Footage below http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SM6sDEtgPx0
South Pole Travel Heats Up on 100th Anniversary of “Discovery”
Today, some intrepid travelers still make it to Earth’s southernmost point, though they’re only a small fraction of the approximately 30,000 people who visit Antarctica each year, according to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/travelnews/2011/11/111214-amundsen-scott-norway-antarctica-explorers-science-history-south-pole-anniversary/
Radar imaging reveals ice free Antarctica
Radar imaging has revealed what Antarctica would really look like if it wasn’t covered in ice. The southern hemisphere’s polar region may look fairly flat, but there are actually 9,000ft-high mountains lurking beneath ice that in places is 12,000ft thick. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2070635/What-Antarctica-look-like-naked–radar-mapping-shows-mountainous-Alps.html#ixzz1gXwBfy34
South Pole’s latest tourist attraction
It’s been 100 years since the first man arrived, so be sure to stop by the gift shop. http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/americas/111213/south-pole-gift-shop
Several teams to retrace Amundsen’s trip
Dozens of teams are preparing for or have already launched expeditions to mark the 100th anniversary of Roald Amundsen’s trip to the earth’s southernmost point. “Tourist time has begun,” proclaims southpolstation.com’s newsletter. Several Norwegian expeditions want to emulate their compatriot Amundsen (1872-1928). Two teams from Norway will follow Amundsen’s every step along the tough route […]
Roald Amundsen had son, Canadian newspaper claims
A report in the Globe and Mail states that “Between 1903-06, Amundsen successfully guided his ship, the Gjoa, through the Northwest Passage – another first . . it was his two years with Netsilik Inuit in Gjoa Haven, in what is now northeast Nunavut, that taught him tactics essential to survival in polar extremities. . . Amundsen’s […]
Expedition helicopter crashes in Antarctic
The accident happened at 9:20 pm Thursday(local time) when the helicopter was returning to China’s expedition ship Xuelong after transporting supplies to the Zhongshan research station in the Antarctic. Two pilots were rescued, one suffered minor injuries. http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2011-12/09/content_14240864.htm
The Last Voyage of the Heroic Age – Day 14
Tonight Angie Butler was awarded a medal for her work in restoring Frank Wild to the pantheon of polar greats – and to return him to his rightful final resting place next to The Boss. The medal was designed for Dr Mike Wain, a collector of polar medals including Frank Wild’s by Angie’s husband. It […]
The Last Voyage of the Heroic Age – Day 13
Antarctica always has a sting in its tail. After the long sail down from South Georgia we were all desperate to get off the ship and go for a walk. It’s great to arrive in Antarctica – after all the magnificent scenery in South Georgia and the wildlife of the Falklands, suddenly we are in […]