|
|
 |
 | | 19/02/2012
|
|
 |
| |
 The XXXI Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica
Posted by Dr. Rajesh Ashtana Voyage Leader
The XXXI Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica was initiated from India in need based different batches. First batch comprising Voyage Leader, Rajesh Asthana along with German Construction team members from  KAEFER and Heli-Korea crew members onboard Mv. Ivan Papanin from Cape Town left on a specific mission to complete the construction of Indian Research Station Bharati, at Larsemann Hills.
After sailing from Cape Town in the month of October 2011, ship reached treacherous stretch of fast ice from where shifting of construction material was initiated over fast ice for more  than 40 km using vehicles with trailers and Kamov helicopter which is capable of taking underslung load of 5 tons.
Besides main expedition vessel, an Ice Breaker was also deployed for navigation up to Bharati Promontory coast in Quilty Bay, Larsemann Hills. The fast ice conditions were properly assessed for safe over the sea-ice transportation of heavier construction cargo and equipment machineries.
(Picture show Mv. Ivan Papanin with I/B Vladimir Ignatyuk Exploration for over–ice transportation)
Construction Cargo and heavy equipments were safely shifted from fast ice to station site. Most of the flyable containers and construction materials were shifted by helicopter to initiate the construction activity after erecting camp site accommodation of construction crew dedicated during this expedition.
The subsequent batches led by Mr. Uttam Chand reached  Maitri Station and immediately commenced ongoing scientific projects at Schirmacher Oasis and adjoining areas.
The Station Leader of new Indian Research Station, Bharati (under construction), Dr. Rupesh M. Das, who is an Upper Atmosphere Physicist and Space scientist along with station Engineers and logistic personal reached Larsemann Hills in the second Voyage from Cape Town. New Station, Bharati, is likely to get fully commissioned within a month now by March 2012. The Indian Tricolor, National Flag was unfurled on 26th January 2012 at Bharati Station site on the Indian Republic Day.
The Indian expedition members along with Dr. Rupesh M. Das and Voyage Leader, Mr. Rajesh Asthana were invited to neighboring Chinese Station Zhongshan on 22nd January for the New Year eve celebrations. The guests from Russian Station Progress also attended the celebration.
The Australian Station Leader, Dr. Alison Dean paid a visit to Bharati Station site along with her team members. She was shown the progress of Station construction and various station systems. Indian team also visited Davis Station.
The current Indian Team is all set for completion of summer tasks, commissioning of their New Station Bharati at Larsemann Hills and First Wintering at Larsemann Hills.
 Voyage Leader, Mr. Rajesh Asthana has been honored for his contributions in the field of Glaciology and Antarctic research by the Government of India. He has been conferred the prestigious National Geoscience Award on 16th Febrauary 2012 in New Delhi. Since he is currently in Antarctica, the award was received by his wife in the special Award ceremony at Vigyan Bhavan.
(pictures show The Award and citation received by Mrs. Lata Asthana and the Asthana family members on the dias). 
Once again we thank very much Dr. Rajesh Ashtana for being so kind and giving us the exclusive opportunity to report about the progress work of the third Indian Research Station as well as other interesting news that allow the WAP readers to live a great Antarctic experience even being far away the Icy Continent.
...and, once again we congratulate Dr. Ashatana for the prestigious Award!
|
|
 |
|
 |
| |
|
|
| | 16/02/2012
|
|
|
| |
Sovetskaya Station WAP RUS-NEW
 At geographical position 77° 58’ South , 89°16’ East, Sovetskaya was a Soviet Research Station located in Wilkes Land approximately 1400 km from Mirny Base in Antarctica. It was set on 16 February 1958 by the 3rd Soviet Antarctic Expedition with purposes of research work for the International Geophisical Year, surface elevation of the area 3,662 m.asl. It was closed and abandoned on 3 January 1959 as too difficult to be maintained. Recently a liquid subglacial lake was found buried under the Antarctic ice sheet, 2 kilometres (6,600 ft) below the old Sovetskaya Research Station. r.jpg) This lake, named Sovetskaya Lake, covers about 1,600 square kilometres (620 sq mi). MODIS satellite image (see picture above) shows the location of Sovetskaya Antarctic Research Station and 90°E Lake in relation to Lake Vostok.
No pictures of this old site are available at the moment, but it is interesting to see a Sovestskaya Station Post mark, among some of the other known Russian (Soviet) Station, nor information so far about activity done at the time of its opening...
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| | 13/02/2012
|
|
|
| |
Antarctic Activity Week ... a week to start
Last 2nd half of 2011, Worldwide Antarctic Program (WAP) Staff, did announce the launching of 9th Antarctic Activity Week, to be held from 00:00 GMT Febr. 20th through 24:00 GMT of Febr. 26th 2012. The purpose of this A.A.W. is again to improve Worldwide interest around Antarctic Continent and its related matters, to understand and share what the Nations and Organizations are doing to protect this still uncontaminated corner of the world, to share a message of peace WW.
 As already known, Antarctic Activity Week, is celebrated every year in the last week of February, to coincide with the 22nd of February, when the Argentines celebrate the Argentine Antarctica Day (DIA DE LA ANTARTIDA ARGENTINA see www.marambio.aq ). Invitation to join this HAM event, is addressed to all Radio Amateurs (OMs & SWLs) around the world, and to the Clubs and Organizations who would like to join and share this initiative with us .
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| | 12/02/2012
|
|
|
| |
Dr. Rajesh Ashtana, been selected to be prized.
 Dr. Rajesh Asthana has been selected for the prestigious National Geoscience Award-2010. The Awards presentation ceremony will be held on 16th February,2012 at 11:30 AM in Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. Hon'ble Speaker of Lok Sabha will be the Chief Guest and shall confer the awards. Hon'ble minister of mines (I/C) will preside over the function.
Dr. Rajesh Asthana is a Senior Geologist in the Antarctica Division of Geological Survey of India. He is associated with the Indian Antarctic Programme since 1992 and is one amongst the Antarctic veterans who pioneered in Ice core Drilling ,systematic lake sediment coring for paleoclimatic studies and specializes in crucial Antarctic logistics.
So far, he has participated in the 12th, 16th, 18th, 22nd, 24th, 29th and 30th Indian Scientific Expeditions to Antarctica. During the 12th Antarctic expedition, about 60m long ice core was successfully raised for the first time by two member team of Indian scientists including him marking the beginning of systematic Ice Core Drilling Programme initiated since then. During 16th Expedition, geological mapping in parts of Filchnerfjella was done by camping in the farthest interior camp besides ongoing geological and glaciological investigations. The 24th Indian Antarctic Expedition led by him was yet  another turning point in Indian Antarctic Programme when a 8 member High Power Indian Delegation led by Hon'ble Minister, Shri Kapil Sibal paid a visit to Maitri to assess our Antarctic activities. Geomorphological and geological mapping was continued by him along with other scientists of GSI in subsequent expeditions except 29th and 30th expeditions when he was hand-picked as the Voyage Leader owing to his proven leadership quality, technical ingenuity, decision making ability and managerial skills. He led these Voyages with the responsibility of initiating and executing the construction of India’s prestigious third Antarctic station “BHARATI” at Larsemann Hills as per well defined and planned targets. Currently, he is again entrusted with the responsibility as the Voyage Leader for the XXXI Indian Scientific Expedition, for the third time in a row to supervise the 2nd Phase of construction activities by German construction company, KAEFER and over all  logistics in co-ordination with NCAOR.
He has been a member of several important committees of NCAOR and has contributed immensely in Antarctic programme by publishing and supporting various geological and glaciological fields in Antarctic research. He has made significant presentations in various National and International conferences and seminars dedicated to Antarctic Earth Sciences besides participating in the XXX ATCM.
From the WAP pages, we would like to congratulate Dr. Ashtana for this prestigious prize. We are familiar of his activity and involvement in Antarctica since many years now, so that we consider him a good friend! Our compliments Dr. Ashtana, we are proud and happy for your achievement!
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| | 11/02/2011
|
|
|
| |
II1MNA at 9th Antarctic Activity Week
Posted by Alessandro, IZ1PKI
 The special call sign II1MNA was activated for the first time during the 4th Antarctic Week being held at the National Antarctic Museum (MNA-"Museo Nazionale dell'Antartide) in Genoa, Italy, by "Doc" Maurizio IZ1GJK & Federico "Fede" IW1QN.
In 2012 Mauri IZ1GJK, as first manager of the call, passed it to ARI Genova and this because ARI, being the Italian Association of HAM, best represents the relationship between the HAM world and the Institutions; this means that, beginning with the 9th Antarctic Activity Week, will be ARI Genova to handle the task to activate the call each year.
So, II1MNA (WAP-6Ø) requires now QSL via I1UP (no E-QSL for this activity). Log on Line will be available at: http://www.arigenova.it/antartic%20activity.htm
Other info at: http://www.arigenova.it and http://www.mna.it . TNX IZ1PKI
 Institution and Mission of the MNA
The Museo Nazionale dell'Antartide was established in 1996 and named "Felice Ippolito" in memory of its first President. The Antarctic Museum is part of the University of Genoa, and is located near the Millo Pavilion in the "EXPO" Area of the Old Port of Genoa. The mission of the Museum is the conservation, study and promotion of samples collected during the Italian scientific expeditions and any other evidence of the Italian presence in Antarctica.
 The Museum has also the task to promote the results achieved by the Italian scientific community.
Just to inform the Antarctic Enthusiasts that this year, among the II1MNA from The National Antarctic Museum of Genova, there will be II3MNA (WAP-2Ø5) from National Antarctic Museum of Trieste and IO5ANT (WAP-21Ø) from National Antarctic Museum of Siena.
Don't loose them, stay tuned to log all the three ones... it will be a great goal!
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| | 09/02/2012
|
|
|
| |
Pole of Inaccessibility (aka Polyus Nedostupnosti Station) WAP RUS-NEW
During the International Geophysical Year (July 1957-Dec.1958) several Research Stations has  been set in Antarctica. Russia (at that time USSR) did pay lots of efforts and established several Stations on the Icy Continents; one of them in particular, represents now an interesting Historical site. We are talking about the Pole of Inaccessibility Station, also known as Polyus Nedostupnosti Station (HSM 4).
The Station 3,800 meters (12,467 feet) of elevation, is located at 83°06'S, 54°58'E, about 878 km (546 mi) from the South Pole, and approximately 600 km (370 mi) from another defunct site: Sovetskaya Station. The site was reached in 1958 by the third Soviet Antarctic Expedition led by Yevgen Tolstikov for the International Geophysical Year's research work. It’s a point in Antarctica furthest from any oceans, just an ideal site where perform meteorological observations. 
The station had a hut for four people, a radio shack, and an electrical hut. Next to the hut, an airstrip for landing was cleared and a Lisunov Li-2 aircraft landed there on 18 December 1958. The outpost was equipped with a diesel power generator and a transmitter. Equipment and personnel were delivered by an Antarctic tractor convoy operated by the 3rd Soviet Antarctic Expedition. On December 26 the outpost was suspended indefinitely, researchers were airlifted by plane. The station deemed to be too far from other research stations to allow safe permanent operation, so it was left to be used for  future short-term visits only. Today, a building still remains at this site, marked by a bust of Vladimir I. Lenin, and like we said, is protected as an historical site. However, as of 2007, this building is almost entirely buried by snow, and only the statue (which is on top of the building) is visible.
The American Queen Maud Land oversnow Traverse reached the Pole of Inaccessibility from South Pole Station in the fall of 1965 and the crew were flown out from there by C130. Later in the spring of that year a new American crew arrived by C130 to make observations, refurbish the snow cats, and continue the Queen Maud Land Traverse, zig-zagging to end the summer at the newly installed US Plateau Station (WAP USA-13).
Team N2i reached the Pole of Inaccessibility on January 19, 2007, rediscovering the bust of Vladimir I. Lenin, fixed, together with a plaque in  memory of the conquest of the Pole of Inaccessibility by Soviet Antarctic explorers in 1958.
Click the red button to see a very interesting video of the two sites: Plateau Station and Pole of Inaccessibility.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| | 02/02/2012
|
|
|
| |
AGO 4 Camp, WAP USA-38
Provided by Andy WA2DKL/KC4, this is the description as appears on his QSL, kindly forwarded by Bob K4MZU among some pics.
 The Automatic Geophysical Observatories (AGOs) are five nearly identical stations located from 300 to about 900 miles (480 to 1450 km) from the Earth's geographic South Pole -- its axis of rotation. The stations observe and record the Earth's magnetic field. LF through HF radio signals from the Sun, and auroral activity during the approximately six months of winter darkness (March through September). These observations are used by several Universities to better understand and predict the interaction between solar activity and the resulting effects an Earth. This understanding is important for many reasons including knowing how and when to protect satellites and terrestrial power and communication grid from solar flares.
I am fortunate that amateur radio gave me the opportunity to became a member of the field service team for the AGO program. I have been able to see in detail a continent accessible to few others. When I have free time from repairing the wind and solar power systems, raising the 8' x 8' x 16' shelters above the snow drifts, fixing 19” rack-mount monitoring equipment, and doing dishes, I have been able to do some amateur radio operation. Although the conditions are harsh, about -25 degrees F (-32° C) in Antarctic summer, and 6000 to 11.500 ft (1825 to 3500 m) elevation, there are some advantages to doing antenna work. The wind speed on the high Antarctic plateau peaks at only about 20 to 30 knots; the sun is up 24 hours per day, and there is plenty of room to spread out. So far I have had good success making QSOs worldwide even near sunspot cycle minimum and t hope and plan to do more experimentation and operation in the coming years.
73. Andy WA2DKJ
Thanks to Bob K4MZU & Andy WA2DKL/KC4
AGO 4 Camp (aka P4) listed on WAP WADA Directory has been WAP referenced as USA-38 .
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| | 31/01/2012
|
|
|
| |
History of the Halley Research Stations in Antarctica
Here is the evolution of the six Halley Stations begun in 1957 and fully operated till today. The source of information is BAS (British Antarctic Survey), TNX.
Halley I. (WAP GBR-15)
 Associated QSLs: VP8CR, VP8EP, VP8FE, VP8JP, VP8AII, VP8AQ, VP8QV, VP8RC, VP8RC, VP8RW, VPSP, VP8SWW.
75° 31’ 00” S, 26° 36’ 00” W. It was a large wooden hut built right on snow surface. This station has been open in 1957 and being in exercise till 1968
Halley II. (WAP GBR-16)
 Associated QSLs: VP8DJ, VP8JX, VP8LK, VP8LN, VP8ME, VP8MX, VP8JP.
75° 31’ 00”S, 26° 39’ 00”W. Consisting on seven wooden Huts built on snow surface. Activity from this renewed Research Station begun in 1967 through 1973
Halley III. (WAP GBR-17)
 Associated QSLs: VP8ALD, VP8AQZ, VP8NN, VP8OW.
75° 36’ 00”S, 26° 46’ 00”W. A new series of prefabricated wooden huts, housed inside a corrugated steel tubes was set at the beginning of 1973 and the activity did last till 1984.
Halley IV. (WAP GBR-18)
 Associated QSLs: VP8AEF, VP8AEH, VP8BOD, VP8BOE, VP8BOF, VP8BOG, VP8BOH, VP8BTV, VP8BTY, VP8BUY, VP8HAL.
75° 36’ 00”S, 26° 46’ 00”W. Two stored wooden huts inside tubes constructed from interlocking playwood-faced panels did form this 4th Halley Station. It was in service from 1983 till 1992.
Halley V. (WAP GBR-19)
 Associated QSLs: VP8CES, VP8CFO, VP8CGW, VP8CMR, VP8CPG, VP8CRD, VP8CRW, VP8CWT, VP8MAP, VP8DMH.
75° 34’ 54”S, 26° 32’ 28”W (WW Locator HB64ok). Four buildings on platforms with steel legs jacked up annually. Two buildings on skis are towed to a new position each year. Activity did begin in 1991 and fully operate till 2012. Begun dismantling on 2011 and partially re-located at Halley VI about 20km inland from the northwest seaward edge of the Brunt Ice Shelf.
Halley VI. (WAP GBR-37)
 75º36’56”S, 26º07’52”W (WW Locator HB64vj) . Officially opened in 2012 the Station has been designed to be relocated over several kilometers (5–10km), a maximum of once every five years, so that it can be repositioned in the same geographic location whilst the ice shelf moves towards the sea.
Last Jan. 28th 2012, the first activation of Halley VI Base has been made by Mike Clarke MØPRL/VP8DMH. On line Log is available at: http://log.clarkema.org:80/ . TNX VP8DMH
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| | 29/01/2012
|
|
|
| |
Halley VI Station WAP GBR-37
 Located at Brunt Ice Shelf, Caird Coast, Dronning Maud Land (75º36’56”S, 26º07’52”W)approximately 20km inland from the northwest seaward edge of the Brunt Ice Shelf, the station has been designed to be relocated over several kilometres (5–10km), a maximum of once every five years, so that it can be repositioned in the same geographic location whilst the ice shelf moves towards the sea.
The Brunt Ice Shelf is a floating ice sheet and is 200m thick. It is currently flowing at a rate of 500m per year towards the Weddell Sea. At irregular intervals, the ice shelf breaks off as icebergs. BAS has assessed that there is a growing risk that the ice on which the existing research station sits could be lost in a major calving event in the next decade.
The UK has therefore decided to design and build a replacement station in a safe location on
the Brunt Ice Shelf.  To cope with any future major calving events the new station has been designed so that it can be relocated as planned by the project.
Mike VP8DMH has shown up from there on 28 Jan. 2010. A brand NEW reference number has been given as WAP GBR-37.
TNX Mike for this great Ouverture!
Optic Caboose, Ballon Caboose, Radiometer Caboose and CasLab are fully part of Halley VI Research Station so, any eventual future activity from those Cabooses will count as GBR-37.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| | 28/01/2012
|
|
|
| |
PALAOA Observatory (WAP DEU-NEW)
 Posted by Felix Riess DP1POL/DL5XL (pic here aside), forwarded us by IK1NEG Gabry
Hello DXers,
for those of you that have been waiting for a portable activity from one of the outposts around Neumayer Station III (WAP DEU-08), there is (hopefully) good news: Lars, DL1LLL (2nd pic to the Left), and myself will try to be active from PALAOA (PerenniAL Acoustic Observatory) in the Antarctic Ocean (WAP DEU-NEW), about 18 kilometers north of our base. The proposed time of activity is on Sunda y, January 29th, 2012, beginning in the afternoon (U TC). We will only be running 100 Watts to a dipole, so be prepared for rather weak signals. Our call sign will be DP0GVN/p, QSL manager is DL5EBE. Please look for us around 14,274 kHz at 18:00 UTC. If you'd like to find out more about PALAOA observatory and listen live to the sound of the Antarctic ocean, check the following web site:
http://www.awi.de/en/news/background/palaoa_what_does_the_southern_ocean_sound_like/
73 from Antarctica,
Felix, DP1POL (DL5XL), one of the operators at DPØGVN.
TNX DL5XL, DL1LLL & IK1NEG
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| | 28/01/2012
|
|
|
| |
Halley VI Research Station (WAP GBR-NEW)
 Mike VP8DMH/MØPRL did post a message on the Antarctic Reflector. Mike wrote: I know lots of people have been eagerly waiting for Halley VI to come on air; I've certainly had plenty of questions about it!
I'll be heading over to Halley VI on Saturday around 08:00Z to do some work on the new base HF radios and the antenna system. I'm hoping to be somewhere around the top end of 20m from 20:00Z, which should allow me to work EU in the early evening and follow the propagation across the pond later on.
HOWEVER ...bear in mind that this is a very rough plan, and depends on:
a) work
b) aircraft activity
c) meals
d) everything else going as I want it to! In particular, unexpected flying or problems with the antenna system at the new base (which has not yet been fully tested  -- I'll be doing that on Saturday) could keep me off air. Equally, if work goes well, I could be active on the higher bands as early as 15:00Z.
Chances are: I won't have Internet access after I leave Halley V, although I might be able to post updates to Twitter (@VP8DMH) via Iridium. In any case, logs from the activation _WON'T_ be uploaded to my log checking site until Sunday evening at the earliest.
TNX Mike, VP8DMH
While we thanks Mike for providing fresh information, we cannot forget to recognize Mike’s professional activity on HF bands and for that, we are so grateful to him and also, thanks for paying attention to different corners of the world according to the propagation openings, QTR and QRGs. Stay tuned Halley VI will be a NEW WAP reference very soon.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| | 24/01/2012
|
|
|
| |
Knowing the people of the XXXI Indian Scientific Expedition
 Posted by Bhagwati VU3BPZ
While the scientific, logistics and work activities are going on at Larsemann Hills, we would like to have a look of the people who are leading the 2011-2012 Indian Scientific Campaign in Antarctica. New leader of Bharti Base is Dr. Rupesh M. Dass.
Dr. Rupesh M. Das (pics here aside) who is ready to take over the charge, is a renowned scientist in the field of Space Physics and Space weather related  phenomenon. He also is representing the India in various international forums like Indian representative International Space Environment Services, Founder Member of Asia Oceanic Space Weather Alliance, and in-charge of Regional Warning Centre of India.
Another Leader is an Old friend of WAP, Dr. Rajesh Asthana the Vessel Leader of the Indian Team(picture to the Right), is temporarily based on board of Polar Ship Ivan Papanin as shown on the pictures. Both Leaders are preparing some more detailed news for WAP which will be published on the way on.
Bhagwati Prasad VU3BPZ is the Communication Officer for the coming overwintering season.
We are grateful to the Indian Authorities who are paying attention to the World Ham Community, providing to have some Ham radio  operators among the crew. Before setting stable at Bahrti Base (WAP IND-NEW), Bhagwati will stay nearly a month at Maitri Station (WAP IND-Ø3)where he will operate as VU3BPZ in the hope to get his Special Callsign coming from India in time for the Bahrti Base wintering over.
Please notice the Bharti Base site and see that there is no snow on the ground! Infact this year is exceptionally warm in Antarctica; on daylight outside temperature did reach a pic of 9°C.
Thanks the Base Commanders for the pics, they are Exclusive for WAP!
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| | 23/01/2012
|
|
|
| |
RI1ANR Novo Runway QSL soon ready to be delivered .
Posted by Nick RK1PWA
 Nick has sent some information surely interesting for the Chasers, here we are: New QSL cards for RI1ANR have been printed, but not yet arrived in Amderma .
RW1ZW/MM, those who worked this station on 27 Jan. 2009, the ship name is: F/T VARIANT UHSL. UA1PBA/Ø and UA4RX/Ø from AS-055. Cards are printed, but not yet arrived in Amderma .
Progress 2 Base: (info from RW1AI, ex. R1ANP 2009-2010) For those who were asking about past activity from Progress base, take note that Kirkilevsky Vyacheslav UA1JJ was not active on Stations Progress-1, but from Progress-2 only.
TNX Nick, RK1PWA
On the mean time we have got some pics from Alex UA1PAW/RI1ANR who is quite active from Novo Runway (WAP MNB-06), enjoy them. TNX Alex RI1ANR 
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| | 21/01/2012
|
|
|
| |
Update from Larsemann Hills 69°S, 76’E
EXCLUSIVE for WAP ! First pictures of the New Indian Bharti Base
 Posted by Bhagwati VU3BPZ
All well here with hectic activities in Bharti Station . You noted the QTH of the Ship, 69° 24’S ,76° 12’E, just 60 meters away from continental Larsemann Hills. Nice QTH with several Islands all around; less winds , less cold , less polar nights then Maitri. Good WX here, Kaefer Company (see pic down Left) is doing their work with time frame; so many events and proceedings are keeping everyone really busy, as well as scientific tasks and cargo operations, while we are following the grow-up of the great Bharti Base. I will be going to participate on the occasion of Chinese New Year (flower day) to the ceremony at  Zhong Shan Station on 23rd Jan, along with Vessel & Bharti leader Dr. Rupesh Kumar Dass.
HAM activities will start when I will QRV from Maitri even if the main and first goal is to get Bharti Station ready on time. There are any Ham radio guys in Progress and Chinare base, but several summer scientist are there in summer period.
TNX VU3BPZ
Thanks Bhagwati VU3BPZ for letting us know about the work in process down in Antarctica, we understand from the picture just received the huge work done and how much is still to do to complete this impressive new Indian Station.
From the page of WAP, we would like to wish the XXXI Indian Antarctic Expedition Team and the commanders Dr. Rajesh Ashtana and Dr. Rupesh Kumar Dass our thanks and sincere appreciation for sharing with the Antarctic enthusiasts and chasers worldwide, this day by day unique experience.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| | 18/01/2012
|
|
|
| |
OH2FFP/p Aboa Station WAP FIN-Ø1
 Mika is doing a great job working from the Finnish Base Aboa and we thanks him immensely for his great efforts. Many have recently worked OH2FFP/P and now, they are asking how and where, this callsign will be allocated on WAP Directories. We would just repeat for the last time, the International definition of Nordenskjold Base Camp, then we will not re-entering into this matter anymore:
The Finnish Research Station Aboa (see pic here aside) and the Swedish Research Station Wasa (see pic on the Right) were built on the slope of the Basen nunatak in the western Dronning Maud Land in summer 1988-89. The stations are located within 200 meters of each other at 73°03´S, 13°24´W, making up the so–called Nordenskjöld Base.  The structure is called after the Swedish explorer Otto Nordenskjöld.
The only way to get Nordenskjold Multi National Camp (WAP MNB-Ø7) credited, is to prove to have worked both WASA (Sweden) and ABOA Stations (Finland).
As the Ham operation is taking place from one or the other, of the 2 Nations building, in lack of other details, WAP will allocate the reference according to the callsign or to the information provided by the operator.
OH2FFP/P operation of 2012, will be credited as Aboa Station WAP FIN-Ø1
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| | 15/01/2012
|
|
|
| |
 XXXI Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica
Update from Bhagwati, VU3BPZ.
Possible operation from rare Bases.
Bhagwati wrote: All well here it is 7.2 deg outside temperature, good WX today. Hectic here for all , we have reached on 600m far from new base Bharti, lots of activities are going on.
No HF operation from my side till now, even from the ship. I will be moving to Maitri Base in  the end of Jan. and will stay there to the end of Feb. I will be active from Maitri before reaching Bharti Base where actually Kaefer Company is working in war fear level; no permission to enter in the base until they have complete their job.
Progress base is near from here 12 km, from the Ivan Papanin ship, I can see that there is also a Baslor feed flight which came from MAITRI.
Next week I will get a chance to visit Progress Base (1st one on top left), China Zhongshang (2nd one in the middle left) & Davis Base (3rd one in the bottom left).
I will promise nothing, but if I get permission to operate, will come in 20m from there. I will send a  mail in advance so you can alert the Antarctic chasers.
Best 73s VU3BPZ
31Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica
Ivan Papanin Voyage 2011-2012
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| | 14/01/2012
|
|
|
| |
 MNA (National Antarctic Museum) Genova, Italy
MNA invites you tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 14, 16:00 local, at the “Sala Camino” of Palazzo Ducale (1st floor, side Minor courtyard) to the presentation of the first and only work that has ever been written and printed in Antarctica. The first Italian translation by Leading Edizioni-Bergamo "Aurora Australis" written by Sir E. H. Shackleton (1908)
On Jan.17, 1912, the British explorer Robert Falcon Scott reached the Geographic South Pole, at 90 ° South, but only to find that Roald Amundsen his antagonist, had come there about a month before and had left a tent, the Norwegian flag and a letter for him. Both celebrated in the occasion of the 1st Centenary, thanks to the beautiful: Conquering the South Pole’s exhibition in Genoa. Equally for long time, though not a record to be gratified, will remain perhaps the memory of a "third big" in the history of Antarctic exploration: we are talking about Ernst H. Shackleton a few years earlier, he came "only" at 88th parallel, but then was forced to give up and came back. No record for him then, and no slot between the heroes of Antarctica? In contrast, he was the only one putting in  place a communication plan; "real time", we would say today, that earned him the distinction of curator and author of the first and only printed work written, printed and published in Antarctica.
Titled "Aurora Australis", took about 80 copies spread to England when the "Nimrod", his ship, did return from of his expedition (1908).
See and learn more on Ernst Shackleton at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3OXF71GiwU
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| | 13/01/2011
|
|
|
| |
Ice Cube Neutrino Observatory at NSF Amundsen-Scott Sout Pole Station
 Neutrinos are sub-atomic particles that travel near the speed of light. Some neutrinos come from the sun, while others come from cosmic rays interacting with the Earth's atmosphere and astronomical sources such as exploding stars in the Milky Way and other distant galaxies.
The massive telescope, which is the size of a cubic kilometer and located 1400 meters underground, took a decade to build and cost approximately $271 million.  Construction of the IceCube Neutrino Observatory’s complex (see pic on the Right) ended Dec. 18, 2010. It's now the world's largest neutrino detector, with 5,160 optical sensors on 86 strings embedded two kilometers below the National Science Foundation's Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. It has been gathering data since construction started, and is fully operational after the last strings freeze in March 2011. The IceCube telescope is a powerful tool to search for dark matter, and could reveal the new physical  processes associated with the enigmatic origin of the highest energy particles in nature. In addition, exploring the background of neutrinos produced in the atmosphere, IceCube studies the neutrinos themselves; their energies far exceed those produced by accelerator beams.
The Dark Sector at Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station is so named due to the absence of radio and light wave interference for the telescopes located there. Look carefully the picture here aside: the buildings on the left are the IceCube drill site facilities. The next building is the Ice Cube Laboratory (ICL). The third building is the Dark Sector Lab (DSL) with the South Pole Telescope and Bicep II Telescope. The building at right is the  Martin A. Pomerantz Observatory (MAPO). Photo taken on February 3, 2011.
Thanks and credit to: US National Science Foundation & Robert Schwarz
IceCube Neutrino Observatory is part of the New NSF Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, WAP USA-36.
Thanks to Dr. Eddy De Busschere @ BPES (Belgian Polar Expedition Society) for the 2011-2012 philatelic issue of this scientific site at South Pole Station.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| | 10/01/2012
|
|
|
| |
1938-1939 German Antarctic Expedition to Antarctica.
 One of the most mysterious episodes in Antarctic exploration involves the German Reich, who explored and claimed a large uncharted area of Antarctica in the late 1930s. The expeditions included Dornier flying boats, surveyed, mapped and photographed an extensive area of 600.000 sq.Kms between 69°10’ and 76°30’ latitude South, 11°30’ West and 20°00’ longitude East. They called it Neuschwabenland, or New Swabia. It is said (but is not certain nor documented) they established over there a Base supplied by U-boats... legend or history?
After the WW2, Norway assumed a protectorate over the area, annexing it to Queen Maud Land. 
1946-47, the United States sent a 13-ship task force that included an aircraft carrier and numbered 4,700 men to New Swabia, ostensibly to practice arctic warfare techniques. That was called Operation Highjump which was (and still is) shrouded in secrecy (many official documents pertaining to it are still classified), leading to even more speculation as to what the German Reich’s were really up to in Antarctica, if anything. In 1952, the government of the new Federal Republic of Germany exercised its right, based on the Nazi exploration, to name geographical features in the area. The German Polar research station "Georg von Neumayer" is located in what was formerly known as Neuschwabenland.
Following the 1957 Antarctic Treaty (the one "freezing" all territorial claims), Norway named Princesses Martha, Raghnild and Astrid, its assumed new acquisition’s protectorate .
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| | 04/01/2012
|
|
|
| |
THE FOUR HISTORICAL SOUTH POLE STATIONS
 100 years ago, the epic history of the South Pole Station begun. Thanks to the US National Science Foundation and to Dr. Zina Deretsky, WAP is pleased to show the historical evolution of the four South Pole Stations.
AMUNDSEN’S TENT
First human presence at Pole , erected by Norwegian explorer Amundsen 12/1911. Materials hauled by dogs. British explorer Scott reached this tent 1/1912 . Scott and his men carried their gear without dogs.
NAVY STATION
Built by US Navy in 1956 for International Geophysics Tear First structure at Pole for scientific purposes Capacity: 20 people. Materials flown in by DC-3 plane. Never intended to be a permanent structure.
AMUNDSEN-SCOTT S. POLE STATION
Built by NSF in 1975. Iconic geodesic dome building mid 90’s brought communication through e-mail to the station. Capacity - 30 people 80 more in huts
NEW AMUNDSEN-SCOTT S. POLE STATION Elevated station
Construction by NSF began in 1997, to be dedicated in 2008 in time for 4th International Polar Year. Capacity: 150; 65K sq ft footprint , has windows, greenhouse, and is networked
Thanks and credit to: US National Science Foundation & Dr. Zina Deretsky
WAP WADA Directory reports the history of the Stations since the 1st one called US Navy Station, built by the US Navy in 1956, to which we issued WAP USA-39, followed by the 2nd one called Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station WAP USA-21, to the last one New Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, WAP USA-36. Despite the evidence someone continues to claim that Amundsen-Scott Base is always the same! On the 100 Year's Anniversary we are pleased propose the South Pole history again... the latins use to say: repetita juvant!
More at: http://www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/livingsouthpole/sciencegoals.jsp
TNX NSF
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|