Antarctic expedition hopes for Ernest Shackleton bonus

A scientific expedition will next year try to find the Endurance, the ill-fated ship of Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.

The vessel sank in 1915, crushed by sea-ice in the Weddell Sea and lost in 3,000m of water.

Shackleton and his crew were forced into lifeboats to make an extraordinary and heroic escape across the Southern Ocean.

UK researcher Prof Julian Dowdeswell will lead the international effort.

He expects to have the cruise on station in January/February.

Locating the shipwreck is not the primary goal of the expedition; the major objective is to visit and study the Larsen C Ice Shelf, which last July calvedone of the biggest iceberg ever recorded in Antarctica.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-43703723

Whaling stations of Stromness Bay (WAP GBR-NEW) and Husvik (WAP GBR-27)

Three, are the  abandoned whaling stations in Stromness Bay, South Georgia. The stations are closed to visitors because of their dangerous state, including contamination by asbestos. The sub-Antarctic Island of South Georgia had five main shore stations at the height of whaling in the early 1900s. The last of them closed in the mid 1960s. This clip is attached to the monthly website newsletter on www.sgisland.gs

Stromness Station (WAP GBR-NEW). No one has been active “On the air” so far, from there

Husvik Station (WAP GBR-27) 54°15′ South, 36° 45’West;  as far as we know, Hams been active from this site are:

VP8MS in the year  1976

VP8GEO in the year 2002

VP8DIF in the year 2008-2009

 

 

There was a recent operation VP8SGI in the year 2016 that sets tents a little away the formal Husvik Station; we called it Husvik Base Camp (57° 10′ South, 36°40′ West); to this site, a new WAP reference GBR-39 has been given

Lame Dog Hut at St. Kliment Ohridski Base  (WAP BGR-Ø1)

The Lame Dog Hut was erected in April 1988, at 62° 38′ 29″ South, 60° 21′ 53″ West and had been the main building of St. Kliment Ohridski Base until 1998.  It is presently the oldest preserved building on Livingston Island, used as radio shack and post office, and hosting a museum exhibition of associated artefacts from the early Bulgarian science and logistic operations in Antarctica.

The Bulgarian Antarctic Base “St. Kliment Ohridski” (BAB)  in the eastern part of  Livingston Island, South Shetland Islands,  is located on the Bulgarian beach, Emona Harbour, East – Northeast of Hesperides Point (Latitude:  62°37’59” South, Longitude: 60°20’59” West) at the Eastern Coast of the South Bay, Livingston Island, South Shetlands.
A Post Office operates at St. Kliment Ohridski Base  since 1995.

The site elevation being between 12 to 15 m above sea level. The site is particularly appropriate for an Antarctic settlement and the existence of the BAB  has a minimum negative impact on local wildlife, for Bulgarian beach has fairly modest population of penguins and seals. At the same time, the base location offers most convenient access to Mount Friesland, Burdick Ridge, Mount Bowles, southern Hurd Peninsula and Varna Peninsula areas .

 

There is now a proposal for a new Historic Site or Monument (not previously designated as an HSM by the ATCM) for Lame Dog Hut.

Being part of the Bulgarian St. Kliment Ohridski Base (as shown on the pic above), Lame Dog Hut is included in the WAP BGR-Ø1 and a new WAP refence to it  will not be given.

 

 

LU4ZS Base Marambio (WAP ARG-21) “On air” by LU4CMF

Hereby  a couple of pics of Cristian Mauro Fabregat, LU4CMF, operator at Marambio Base as  LU4ZS in a site with -50ºC and 100 km/h of Antarctic wind.

LU4ZS is actually the solo station active from Marambio Base, while on the several Argentinean Stations in Antarcticano one is QRV. 

We must plaude Cristian and we have to thank him  to still believe in the power of the Ham Radio and in the heart of Radio Amateurs.
We really hope that Argentine Authorities can encourage the use of Amateur Radio bands in Antarctica to not dissipate the cultural heritage that Ham radio has been able to create in the international community since the last century.

Thanks Cristian you’re doing great!

QSL via LU4AA, Radio Club Argentino
P.O. BOX 97
Ciudad de Buenos Aires, C1000WAA, Argentina

 

 

TNX LU4AA, LU4CMF/LU4ZS and LU4CJM

From the Antarctic ice, the discovery of the first extragalactic source of neutrinos

IceCube can tell the direction of some neutrinos to better than a quarter of a degree. It consists of a billion tons of diamond-clear Antarctic ice about two kilometers deep, monitored by more than 5,000 light detectors. In 2013 it detected the first high-energy neutrinos coming from beyond our atmosphere. But that breakthrough was not entirely satisfying because those neutrinos had rained in uniformly across the sky: There was no indication of the specific objects that may have emitted them—no “point source.”

This past September IceCube detected a neutrino carrying about 20 times the energy of any particle that could possibly be created by the most powerful man-made accelerators. This meant it had probably come from outer space.

The instrument broadcast an automated alert.

IceCube’s alerts generate a lot of interest among astronomers, because the neutrino represents the third arrow in the quiver of the newborn field of multimessenger astronomy.  Astrophysicists have long dreamed of employing messengers besides light to reveal the inner workings of the many unfathomable wonders in the cosmos. And the dream had come true only one month earlier, when three gravitational wave observatories had detected the merger of two neutron stars and optical telescopes had tied that merger to a gamma-ray burst: a brief flash of the most energetic form of light. No neutrinos were seen, however.

Source: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/neutrinos-on-ice-astronomers-long-hunt-for-source-of-extragalactic-ghost-particles-pays-off/

Chilean facility in Antarctica destroyed in fire

The headquarters of the Chilean Maritime Authority in Antarctica, located in one of the buildings of Base Arturo Prat (WAP CHL-Ø1) was destroyed by fire today, Thursday, July 12, 2018. The Maritime Government is the agency of the Navy that aims to support maritime traffic, collaborate in search and rescue actions, control pollution, support evacuation actions, among other tasks.

The Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH) deeply regrets the fire that during the early hours of Thursday, burned out all the whole installation  of the Chilean Antarctic Maritime Administration, administered by the Chilean Navy, on King George Island.
According to Foreign Minister Roberto Ampuero, thanks to the emergency work, the 10 people employed  there,  were unharmed. For the moment, they are in good health and has already offered accommodation in the Scientific Base “Professor Julio Escudero” (WAP CHL-Ø7); for now, they are being supported by staff of the Eduardo Frei Montalva Base, (WAP CHL-Ø5) of the Chilean Air Force.
The INACH will send personnel to the area as soon as possible to evaluate the conditions of the Escudero Scientific Base, adjacent to the Maritime Governance. The collaboration between both bases allowed to give viability and safety conditions to the maritime activities of the Antarctic Scientific Expedition. The Bases of the INACH and the Maritime Governance shared since 2011 the use of a sewage treatment plant in order to meet the environmental commitments derived from the Madrid Protocol. The viability of its use should be defined with urgency, since Base Prof. Julio Escudero  represents the main Chilean scientific base, with more than 250 scientists passing through it every summer season.

The Navy has been present in the Antarctic territory since 1957, initially with the base Arturo Prat and then with the Chilean Antarctic Maritime Governance and the Harbor Captaincy of Bahía Fildes, with a permanent presence and also in Bahía Paraíso with a Port Captaincy covered in summer period in facilities of the Chilean Air Force. The damaged building was built in 1990.

Source: http://www.t13.cl/noticia/nacional/incendio-afecto-base-chilena-antartica  and

https://prensaantartica.com/2018/07/12/incendio-destruye-instalaciones-de-la-gobernacion-maritima-en-el-territorio-antartico-chileno/   and http://www.24horas.cl/nacional/incendio-consume-en-su-totalidad-la-gobernacion-maritima-de-la-antartica-chilena-2763288

R1ANR-RI1ANR, Novo Runway- Antarctica WAP MNB-Ø6

Making an HF contact into Antarctica is always a great DX!  One of the very active spot on the Icy Continent is the Blue one Runway (or Novo Runway aka DROMLAN), an Airbase managed by ALCI (Antarctic Logistics Centre International) that works during the austral summer from late October to beginning of March, as a logistics service provider in the Dronning Maud Land Air Network (DROMLAN) since its inception in 2002. It offers a full range of services for the flights from Cape Town to Antarctica.

These include chartering suitable aircraft and helicopters when necessary, additional equipment for aircraft with required safety and rescue equipment, providing all necessary permits, licenses and insurance for this type of flight, handling of crew, passengers and cargo at Cape Town airport, supply of aviation fuel in Cape Town and Antarctica. ALCI make sure that both aircraft and crew comply with all International standards on safety and operations and that aviation activity in Antarctica will not be detrimental to the environment.

In this very important site,  Ham radio activity has never been left out. Three unforgettable operators; OlegSakharov ZS1ANF,  Slava Savkin RD3MX and  Alex Shmarin  UA1PAW  have been active from Novo Runway  (70° 49’ 31” South, 11° 37’ 41” East) since 2007 giving thousands of Hams a real new one or a great DX, tying up  their callsigns to the history of Radio communication from the Antarctic.

 

Thanks to Nick Shapkin RK1PWA, we have just received the last printed QSL of RI1ANR that confirms the QSOs of 2015-2016

Annual Event from Antarctica at Base Marambio (WAP ARG-21)

LU4ZS, Marambio Antarctic Base Station (WAP ARG-21), operated by Cristian LU4CMF, will be on air from July 7 to July 15 in SSB and FT8 modes. Cristian will also join the participation in the annual event “The Argentine Republic in two days” this  weekend,and it  will be managed by LU4AA, foreseeing an operation in 7 MHz band,  SSB mode.
The contacts of this operation will be confirmed via LU4AA.

Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp social  will provide the followers with  news and information

Here below, a more than shareable comment by Juan Manuel Pereda LU4CJM, aka operator at LU1ZI Carlini Station and to few of the very rare Argentine Refuges in Antarctica

Amateurs, media and institutions related to the radio around the world,  contact me asking when LU1ZI Argentine Antarctic Base “Carlini” (WAP ARG-20),  one of the “Most wanted contacts” at international level will be airing again.

How to explain to all these people that the “change of authorities”, the “lack of investments in equipments” and the ”lack of interest in the Ham radio activity” made the Argentine Scientific Bases in Antarctica disappearing from the Ham radio field?

Luckily there are people who carry on huge efforts to continue the activations from the white continent. Congratulations to the Marambio Base and to the Argentine Radio Club LU4AA for persisting to spread Argentine Antarctic Ham radio activity around the world.

Felicitaciones a la Base Marambio y al Radio Club Argentino por seguir difundiendo la actividad Antártica Argentina alrededor del mundo.

TNX LU4ZS, LU4CMF, LU4AA & LU4CJM

I have been to Antarctica

Today news, is dedicated to the over 7,000 members of  “I have been to Antarctica”, a Facebook group devoted to all those who have been to the Icy Continent, who did travel or want to travel to the icy edge of the Earth and made it back to share their stories.

The site is hosted on the page of Facebook:  (https://www.facebook.com/groups/2212798205/?ref=bookmarks) ; Tim Baker (Administrator) says: -This is a place to post about things that happen/happened on/around the ice, or a place for people to ask questions about it-.

Not only penguins or marine life; Antarctica is a land of study and research with several Scientific Bases all spread on the coast, on the islands and inside the main land … a land of peace and fraternity, that’s why it’s a great Continent!  WAP is happy to share the Antarctic passion with those, like us, who enjoy Antarctica as much as we do since 1979 …and next year, will be our 40th Anniversary!!!

Elephant Island- Emilio Goeldi Refuge WAP BRA-Ø5

Refuge Emílio Goeldi  (WAP BRA-Ø5) is a Brazilian Antarctic summer facility on Elephant Island . It was named after the Swiss-Brazilian naturalist and zoologist Emil Goeldi. The structure, built in 1988, can accommodate up to 6 scientists for up to 40 days  and depends both logistically and administratively on Comandante Ferraz Station station  (WAP BRA-Ø2).

Elephant Island is an ice-covered, mountainous island off the coast of Antarctica in the outer reaches of the South Shetland. Its name was given by early explorers sighting elephant seals on its shores. It lies 779 miles west-southwest of South Georgia, 581 miles south of the Falkland Islands, and 550 miles southeast of Cape Horn. It is within the Antarctic claims of Argentina, Chile and the UK.

Elephant Island contains the Endurance Memorial Site, an Antarctic Historic Site (HSM 53), with a bronze bust of Capt Luis Pardo (see pic aside), who rescued the 22 remaining survivors from Earnest Shackleton’s and several plaques.

Hampson Cove on the south-west coast of the island, including the foreshore and intertidal area, contains the wreckage of a large wooden sailing vessel; it has been designated a Hitorical Site or Monument (HSM 74), following a proposal by the United Kingdom to theAntarctic Treaty Consultattive Meeting.

 

 

As far as we know, Emilio Goeldi Refuge (WAP BRA-Ø5) was only activated once, in 2004 by ZXØECF and ZXØGTI as documented  by the pic on the side.

WAP reference BRA-Ø5  was given to the Refuge,  after receiving the documentation from the kind operators:  Roberto Stuckert (PT2GTI/ZXØGTI) and Jorge Luiz Lunkes (PT2HF/ZXØECF)

Martel Inlet Lighthouse, WAP BRA-LH ØØ1

Located at 62° 5’ South, 58° 22’ West, Martel is an inlet forming the northeast head of Admiralty Bay on King George island, in the South Shetlands Islands, off Antarctica. It was charted in December 1909 by the Fourth French Antarctic Expedition under Jean Baptiste Charcot and named “Fiord Martel” after J.L. Martel, a French politician.

 

The square pyramidal skeletal metal tower with balcony and light of Martel Inlet Light House  (WAP BRA-LH ØØ1),  was constructed on a concrete basement in the year 2007 and   lies exactly at 62° Ø5’ Ø2” South, 58° 23’ 31” West.  Its markings / pattern is  red and white tower, red lantern  with a Focal height of 14 metres (46 ft),  with a Range of 10 nautical miles (19 km; 12 mi). Light is sourced by solar power . It is administered by the Brazilian Comandante Ferraz Research Base (WAP BRA-Ø2)

 

Martel Inlet Light House  has the Admiralty  number G 1387.5,  NGA number 2729, WAP Reference for  LH in Antarctica & Peri-Antarctic areas  WAP BRA-LH ØØ1.

It was first activated in 1985 by ZXØECF.
Lighthouses
in Antarctica and Peri-Antarctic areas are recently been included in the new  “WAP LH Award” among WAP-WACA & WAP-WADA, the two main Antarctic Awards.

Grytviken station, (WAP GBR-29) South Georgia Island

Even in the most distant corners of the world, the ruins of man’s industry are abundant. One of the most haunting locations is the abandoned settlement of Grytviken, a forgotten whaling station founded in 1904 by Norwegian sea captain Carl Anton Larsen. Serviced by 300 men during its heyday, the productive station took 195 whales during its first season alone, spearheading a highly profitable trade that saw every part of the animal, from blubber to meat to bones, put to use.

This is raw drone footage of the shore whaling, including the British Antarctic Survey Base (WAP GBR-29), graveyard and Hydro Dam.

Footage was recorded with a DJI Mavic Air in April 2018, recorded by Geometria Ltd. for the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. All flights were operated under permit from GSGSSI.

Thanks and credit to: Daniel McCurdy

Today, Grytviken is a haunting ghost town on the shores of King Edward Cove, a collection of decaying buildings, vintage oil tanks, silent processing plants and abandoned whaling ships. Far beyond the reaches of vandals, it remains frozen in time. The South Georgia Museum, accessible to cruise ship tourists, is located within the former house of the whaling facility manager and his family.
See more at: https://www.urbanghostsmedia.com/2013/10/abandoned-whaling-station-grytviken-south-georgia-photos/ 

On the Ham radio wise, Grytviken Station (WAP GBR-29) was last activated  on 2007 by VP8DJV & VP8DKG, while the 1st station reported active  from Grytviken Station was VP8BK on 1956.

NSF invites professional news media to submit proposals to report from Antarctica

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is accepting proposals from media professionals to visit Antarctica to report on research supported by NSF’s Office of Polar Programs (OPP) through the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP).

Those selected to deploy would visit Antarctica between early November and mid-December of 2018.

Applicants must submit to NSF a written expression of interest in participating in the program — the equivalent of no more than three printed pages — describing the media in which the reporting will appear and a description of the potential audiences.  For reporting unrelated to the Thwaites Glacier opportunity, U.S. media receive preference in selection.

Application deadline: 5 p.m. (local time) on July 15, 2018. Electronic submissions are required, either as an email or as an attachment to an email. The email subject line must read “2018 Antarctic Media Application” or the application will not be considered.

More details at: https://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=295843&WT.mc_id=USNSF_51&WT.mc_ev=click

Antarctica contaminated with microplastics

Microplastics and chemicals used in a range of household goods have found their way to Antarctica’s pristine waters and ice caps, research shows.
Greenpeace says the microplastics, which are commonly used in body washes and toothpaste, and polyfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS), like those used in non-stick cookware, were found in samples taken from Antarctica’s waters and snow between January and March this year.
The findings have sparked calls from Greenpeace for an Antarctic ocean sanctuary to be set up, so penguins, whales and the frozen continent’s entire ecosystem can recover from the pollution pressures they are facing.
“We may think of the Antarctic as a remote and pristine wilderness, but from pollution and climate change to industrial krill fishing, humanity’s footprint is clear,” Greenpeace’s Protect the Antarctic campaign spokeswoman Frida Bengtsson said as the findings were released on Thursday.
“Plastic has now been found in all corners of our oceans, from the Antarctic to the Arctic and at the deepest point of the ocean, the Mariana Trench. We need urgent action to reduce the flow of plastic into our seas.”
The microplastics and potentially hazardous chemicals were detected in samples collected from the sea surface and seabed, as well as freshly fallen snow in remote waters and islands off the Antarctic Peninsula and Bransfield Strait.
Microplastics, which include synthetic fibres and beads found in personal hygiene products, were found in seven of the eight water samples, with at least one microplastic fibre per litre.
They were also detected in another two samples collected using a manta trawl net that scraped along the sea surface.
There is growing concern internationally about the increasing presence of polluting microplastics in waterways, with many countries having banned their use in cosmetic products.
While the United States has banned microbeads, which can be mistaken by sea animals as food, Australia is relying on companies to voluntarily phase them out by the middle of this year.
Greenpeace said while not much was known about the extent of microplastics in Antarctica, its research suggested that the continent’s natural barrier to seawater flowing from the north – the Antarctica circumpolar current – was being breached by the tiny polluting particles.
As part of Greenpeace’s research, traces of PFAS, which are used in non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing and fabrics, and fire-fighting foam, were found in seven of nine fresh snow samples that were collected and analysed.
“The findings in snow samples are unlikely to be due to contamination from local inputs as a result of research activities and tourism in the local areas, as the snow was freshly fallen,” Greenpeace said in a report.
“The chemicals found in the snow could have been transported in the atmosphere over long distances, washed out by precipitation and then deposited in the Antarctic snow.”
Source: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/latest-news/antarctica-contaminated-with-microplastics/news-story/eb6a8d6453ca2577da40b12ba8f56eed

Activation of VI7ØMI WAP-293

VI7ØMI is a Special Callsign issued to Commemorate 70 years of  ANARE (Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions) for Macquarie Island, which since 1947 have served Australia in the South polar regions. The first ANARE Expedition to Macquarie Island was in March 1947.

A Special Event Callsign VI7ØMI (Both Zone 29 and Zone 30 will be using this call) will be active from June 20th until August 31st 2018.
All HF bands 160m-10m, SSB, CW, RTTY and possibly digital modes also.

VI7ØMI will be joining the WAP World Antarctic Program and the WAP reference given is  WAP-293.  (For further info on WAP, see: http://www.waponline.it)
*** Please Note: This Commemorative activity is from mainland Australia and NOT from Macquarie Island. ***

Back to the history:
In 1912, Australia pioneered the first radio communications in Antarctica at the Commonwealth Bay base via a relay station at sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island. Australia established its first stations in the sub-antarctic at Heard Island in December 1947 and Macquarie Island a few months later in March 1948.
The sub-Antarctic station on Macquarie Island was officially opened on 21 March 1948, with a team of 14 expeditioners staying for winter. For the first time, expeditioners were not cut off from the world; instead receiving regular news, and sending official and personal messages back home. Wintering Party on Macquarie Island in 1948 :
Officer in Charge : Alan R Martin
Medical Officer : A Roger Bennett
Cook : Charles F (Charlie) Du Toit
Diesel Mechanic : Charles H Scoble accidentally drowned 4 July 1948
Diesel Mechanic : T Frank Keating from 4 Aug 48. landed from RAAF Catalina flown by S/L R H S Gray
Radio Supervisor : Geoff Mottershead
**Radio Operator: Peter W King
**Radio Operator: Gersh Major

Biologist : Ron Kenny
Meteorologist : Alan R Martin
Weather Observer : William M (Bill) Monkhouse
Weather Observer : Ron M Chadder
Physicist : Ken C Hines
Physicist : Charles S (Charlie) Speedy
Photographer, Department of Information) : Norman R (Norm) Laird
The station was commissioned on 21 March 1948 after Wyatt Earp had arrived at Buckles Bay. The first ANARE wintering party comprised 13 expeditioners. On 4 August 1948 an RAAF Catalina flying boat piloted by R H S Gray visited the Island to put ashore a diesel mechanic to replace Charles H Scoble who was accidently drowned a month before. The Catalina returned to Wigram, New Zealand the same day with mail. Sheep and goats were introduced and comprehensive long term scientific programs were initiated. (Information above collected by Max Corry)

To date there has never been a Ham Radio DXpedition to Macquarie Island. The only activities are from Hams stationed on the island for Summer or Winter tours.
Currently Norbert VKØAI is the only active operator on Macquarie Island (WAP AUS-Ø8)

The Special event callsign VI7ØMI (WAP-293) is to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the establishment of the first ANARE base at Macquarie Island, March 1948. The activity is to raise the profile of the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA), Amateur Radio in general, ANARE, Parks Tasmania and the Antarctic Research programs globally and within Australia.
A special commemorative QSL card will be available after completion of the activation via MØOXO our QSL manager. https://www.m0oxo.com/oqrs/logsearch.php

QRS will be available and also LOTW.
*** Please do not send your QSL cards via the VK buro as they are not required – Please just request your buro cards by OQRS for a fast return! ***

Interesting and useful links:
http://www.antarctica.gov.au/living-and-working/stations/macquarie-island
http://www.antarctica.gov.au/webcams/macquarie-island
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macquarie_Island_Station
http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/fahan_mi_shipwrecks/journals/Scientists/sowirelesscrew4.pdf
http://www.antarctica.gov.au/about-antarctica/history/exploration-and-expeditions/anare-is-created
http://anareclub.org/web/index.php
http://wia.org.au/

TNX Malcolm Johnson VK6LC &  Peter Clee VK8ZZ

K1IED, Larry F Skilton, is SK

Larry did a long time service for the stations in Antarctica; years ago Larry was very active in the 14.240 DX Group to keep contact with the operators down in the Icy Continent and also acting as official  QSL manager for KC4USV, McMurdo (WAP USA-22),  KC4AAA Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station (old WAP USA-21 and most recent rebuild WAP USA-36), and KC4AAC, Palmer Station (WAP USA-23).

Larry K1IED is SK as of June 2, 2018; he was a great guy. He had been battling cancer for some time and it got the better of him recently.

We don’t know who might try now  to take over the  Antarctic QSL duties, but sure someone from the US will do that.

We will miss you Larry, R.I.P.

Adelaide & Rothera Stations (WAP GBR-13 & WAP GBR-12)

It was not until the British Graham Land Expedition of 1934–37 that Adelaide was confirmed to be an island separate from the Antarctic Peninsula. The Research Base at Adelaide Island   referred to as Adelaide Base “T”  (WAP- GBR-13) from July 1962,  was established on 3 February 1961 on the South-West tip of the island. This was in preference to Rothera Point as it had a better skyway for aircraft and less sea ice to hinder access by ship. It was closed when the skyway deteriorated and operations were transferred to Rothera Station.

 

Taken middle to late April 1976, showing the change from the summer weather to the winter,rain to snow and winds. Note the steps up to the front door of the base in the rain and then the snow steps up out of the base after the snow and blizzard.This was the last winter at Adelaide base before moving round to.

Rothera Station (Station “R”), 67° 34′ South, 68° 08′ West,   (WAP GBR-12) known as Rothera Point until 15 August 1977, was established in 1975 to replace Adelaide, where the glacier ski-way had deteriorated rendering the operation of ski-equipped aircraft hazardous.

A party  did camp at Rothera Point in the 1975/76 austral summer to open up the air facility.

There was a phased construction programme so that by 1980 the station provided accommodation, electrical power generation, vehicle workshops, scientific offices and a store for travel equipment.

Enjoy a drone tour of Rothera Station WAP GBR-12  at the video shown below

Polar 2018-Davos Switzerland 15-26 June 2018

 

The WSL Insitute for snow and Avalance Research SLF is organizing POLAR2018,  which will take place in Davos, Switzerland from 15 – 26 June 2018.

Where the Polar comes together
POLAR2018
is a joint event from the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research SCAR and the International Arctic Science Committee IASC.

The SCAR meetings, the ASSW and the Open Science Conference will be hosted by the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL under the patronage of the SAwiss Committee on Polar and High Altitude. The event, will include:

XXXV SCAR Biennial Meetings

Arctic Science Summit Week 2018 & IASC Business Meetings

SCAR/IASC Open Science Conference

2018 Arctic Observing Summit

Timeline
15 – 18 June 2018 SCAR and IASC/ASSW Business & Satellite Meetings

19 – 23 June 2018 SCAR/IASC Open Science Conference & Open COMNAP Session

24 – 26 June 2018 SCAR Delegates Meeting & 2018 Arctic Observing Summit

Read more and follow the program at: https://www.polar2018.org/

Refuge General Jorge Boonen Rivera (former General Ramon Cañas Montalva) WAP CHL-NEW

View Point was the location of the British research Station “V”. It was active intermittently with the intention of searching in the survey, meteorology and geology. Located on Duse Bay, Trinity Peninsula, at 63° 32′ 15″ South 57° 24′ 15″ West,  the site was selected on 8 Feb 1953, foundations of first hut laid 3 June 1953. A second hut was erected on 20 Mar 1956 and called Seal-catcher’s Arms or View Point Hut ,
Station “V” was erected as a satellite base for  Hope Bay Station  “D”  WAP GBR-Ø4 (ceded to Uruguay in 1997 which renamed it  Base Lieutenant Ruperto Elichiribehety  WAP URY-NEW).

On July 29, 1996 the Station “V”  was transferred to Chile who renamed it General Ramon Cañas Montalva. Today Refuge General Jorge Boonen Rivera (former General Ramón Cañas Montalva) is a small Chilean Antarctic refuge, administered by the Army of Chile.

The refuge consists of a cabin enabled as a room and a second machine house, bathroom and storage. It is located about 50 km away from the Chilean base General Bernardo O’Higgins (WAP CHL-Ø2), on which it depends.

 

Currently the installation is regularly maintained by Chile, for use as an emergency shelter, allowing 8 people to survive in it for 20 days in the event of an accident. For this purpose, the station has an electric generator, as well as fuel, food, water and gas.

For full listing of all station histories, see: History of British stations and refuges.

https://www.bas.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/British-Antarctic-Stations-Refuges-v6.2-2016.pdf

Prathyusha inspires many towards Antarctica dream

Prathyusha Parakala is the only one from AP and TS to be part of the ClimateForce: Antarctica (CFA) expedition 2018.

HYDERABAD: Scores of Hyderabadis are making the city proud by trekking to Antarctica. Prathyusha Parakala is the latest trailblazer from the city, who was among the 90 global climate force ambassadors selected to create awareness about climate change.
“Until last year, there were spots in Antarctica where humans could not reach as it was covered with thick ice. This year, we could do so. This was after climate change, which led to melting of ice,” said Parakala, who was felicitated for her achievement by Telangana chief minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao with the ‘Visisht Puraskar’ on Formation Day.
Parakala is not the only one to have made it to the group of  ambassadors. Apart from this, city-based entrepreneur and engineer Vijay Raghav Varada was also selected to fly to Antarctica to evaluate performance of his innovation, a 3D printable vertical wind turbine that generates energy.
In 2016, Thammala Sandhya, a mother of two, was among many explorers from across the world to be a part of the International Antarctic Expedition. In January 2018, doing away with a comfortable job in an e-commerce firm, Sunil Kumar, a city-based chartered accountant took part in the expedition

This was the last year that the two-week expedition to Antarctica was hosted by reputed environmentalist Robert Swan.

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/prathyusha-inspires-many-towards-antarctica-dream/articleshow/64501307.cms
TNX: 
Bhagwati Prasad Semwal (VU3BPZ Ex-AT10BP/8T2BH)
(20,24,29,31,35th, WOT Maitri/Bharati )

ITALIA Valley Memorial, a job to be proud

The tireless PH D Julius Fabbri IV3CCT did accomplish the mission to build a Memorial to recall the Giacomo Bove Base (WAP ITA-Ø2) in Antarctica and the 1st Italian Antarctic Expedition (Antarctic summer 1975-1976) led by Renato Cepparo, I1SR, with the aim of bringing Italy into the group of states adhering to the Antarctic Treaty.

 

Following the laying of the foundation stone on February 24th 2018, last May 25 when the job was done,  a nice  ceremony was held at the “A. Malignani” High School of Cervignano (Udine); the inauguration of the Memorial, with Authorities and Students was a great moment of satisfaction even for the young students, Professors and all those who did help the construction of this Memorial which now a reality to be proud.

Malignani School will also be the location for the 2019  WAP Antarctic Activity Week,  on the air with the special call  II3BOVE WAP-271.

TNX IV3CCT & IV3RYQ

US Yesterday Field Camp, WAP USA-44

WAP and the Ham’s Antarctic Community are grateful to Dr. Ron E. Flick K6REF, for the New WAP Reference, USA-44 issued after his activity from the US  Yesterday Camp.

Here is a brief story told by Ron, K6REF, when he did come back home after his season in Antarctica.

Returned from Antarctica on schedule tired and sore (with wrist problems that should resolve) after many hours of flying! We deployed over 30 seismometers over the Ross Ice Shelf to measure ocean swell-induced vibrations, and to determine the structural properties of this largest ice shelf in the world. Ham radio was part of the public outreach for this National Science Foundation (NSF) sponsored project.

I was able to operate from the McMurdo Ham shack (KC4USV,  WAP USA-21) with about 450 contacts between 5 and 13 Nov 2014. We spent that time there training and getting equipment ready, and waiting for weather suitable to fly to the field camp.

 

On 15 Nov 2014 we departed McMurdo in an LC130 from Willy Field and arrived at Yesterday Camp (78° 57.35 South by 179° 53.19 West) located near the Dateline in the middle of the Ross Ice Shelf (RIS), which is the size of France.

We camped at Yesterday Camp in amazingly cozy mountain tents for 19 days. We had several larger heated work and eating tents as well, and after a few days the cold didn’t seem so bad! The temperature was about -25°C (-13°F) when we arrived, gradually warming to a balmy -10°C (+14°F) by the time we left. We drank some beer outside once during a cold snap, and by the time I got half my can empty the rest was turning into frozen slush!

I operated from Yesterday Camp as KC4/K6REF between 18 Nov and 3 Dec 2014, making about 150 contacts in 27 countries and 23 US states. I used my Yaesu FT847 barefoot with a simple wire dipole mounted on flag poles about 8 feet off the ice. Conditions were often frustrating with one-way in propagation. I spent almost an hour trying to reach TY2CD in Benin (where there are only two licensed amateurs), all the while hearing Wynand at 58, but with him utterly unable to hear me. There were a few pileups, especially from European stations eager to log a once-only Antarctica contact. Picture above show the science tent QTH shack with diplole antenna on flag poles.

Thanks for all the QSOs, and apologies if you could not get through! I’m especially grateful to Bill K7MT and Bob K4MZU for their relay help and general support, and to Bob KK4KT and Roy KR6RG for their perserverance  and the timeless (old fashioned) phone patch to my wife Myra (boy, was she surprised!). Also thanks to Joe AB6RM for posting a publicity piece in QST and to many other hams who spotted KC4/K6REF on the DX sites!

TNX K6REF

QSLs  for KC4/KC6REF (Yesterday Camp WAP USA-44) have to be requested  to:

REINHARD E FLICK, K6REF,  10764 LOIRE AVE, SAN DIEGO, CA 92131. USA

For more information on the science see: https://scripps.ucsd.edu/centers/iceshelfvibes/taking-the-pulse  and the pages linked from there .

 

Albatros Refuge (WAP ARG-27)

Antarctic shelters are facilities open to all countries, to be used in cases of emergency or to support activities in the field. They are equipped with food, fuel (there are with generators and communication equipment), accommodation facilities and other logistics. On  King George Island (aka Isla 25 de Mayo), just to the South of Argentine Base Carlini ,WAP ARG-20 (ex Jubany Base) on Potter Peninsula  there is a Special Protected Area  (ASPA 132) which extends from Potter cove to Stranger point.

Outside the zone, there is a small shelter, called Albatros, on the cliff which looks towards the coastline, about 50 meters high from the beach and less than 1 Kilometer from the Elephant shelter, in the E-SE direction.

Ham radio activity from Albatros Refuge (pic above, WAP ARG-27) have been performed recently for a very short time on March 2016 by LU4AA/Z operated by Juan Manuel Pereda LU4CJM  (see pic aside).

The Albatros Refuge (WAP ARG-27) depends on Carlini Base (WAP ARG-2Ø ) and is located on the Potter Peninsula at  62 ° 15’09 South,  58 ° 39’23 West,  3 km from the Base, about 100 m above sea level.

The refuge houses a repeater of analogue / digital VHF of the latest technology powered by solar energy that provides telecommunications support from radio frequency to all the scientific and logistical personnel in the

 

field, allowing the geo-location of them in real time and a coverage of more than 35 kilometers.

 

Another Refuge nearby is Elephant Hut (pic to the left);  it is located about 1000 mts from Punta Stranger, in the northwest direction. It is usually used by research groups as a resting point. The shelter occupies an area of about 25 square meters and has capacity for two people. Elephant refuge still remains a brand “New One”!

TNX LU4CJM/LU1ZI

Svea (WAP SVE-Ø2) & Wasa (WAP SVE-Ø4) Antarctic Swedish Stations

Svea is located in the Scharffenbergbotnen valley in the Heimefrontfjella mountain range, about 400 km from the coast. It was built during the 1987/88 Antarctic expedition and was the first Swedish research station in Antarctica since the Snow Hill station in 1901 and Maudheim in 1949.

Svea (WAP SVE-Ø2) pic to the left is a satellite station to Wasa  (WAP SVE-Ø4) pic to the right and is an excellent Base for small, transient research teams performing fieldwork in the area. The station, comprising two joined fibreglass modules, is about 12 m2 and has four beds and one pantry.

The Station is currently the home base for two permanent monitoring projects: continual geodetic measurement using GPS technology, run by the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, and a seismograph that records movements in the earth’s crust, run by the German Alfred Wegener Institute.

Japan in Antarctica: Sixty Years of Antarctic Research

The story of Japan’s involvement in the Antarctic goes back to 1955, when it announced at a special committee on the International Geophysical Year in Brussels that it planned to begin research in the region.

 

On November 8, 1956, Japan’s first Antarctic research ship “Soya”  departed from Harumi Terminal of Tokyo port, carrying the first Japanese  Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE) Team, consisting of fifty-three members.

Seventeen members of the Team landed on Ongul Islands. They selected the  place for the Main base for their expedition and named it “Syowa Station”.

Since then, scientific research have been carried out for more than sixty  years involving about 3,400 members so far.

 

On January 29, 2017, the Japanese research Base “Syōwa Station”  (WAP JPN-Ø3) did celebrate 60 years since its opening.
A sixtieth birthday is a landmark date in the life of any person or institution. Over the course of those six decades, Japan has steadily carried out scientific research in Antarctica, publishing numerous results. These include many new discoveries that no one could have predicted when work began in Antarctica, as well as a number of important clues for predicting the future of the global environment.

 

2017 did mark this important anniversary! Thanks to Yath Yoshikawa (JG2MLI)  the official station 8J1RL was again on the air  from Jan.1-2017 through Jan.20-2018 at SYOWA Station (WAP JPN-Ø3).

In addition to 8J1RL Yath did operate also with the special callsign “8J6ØJARE“. After a year in Antarctica, now Yath is back home and we just got the QSLs for the contacts made.

Great job Yath, thanks a lot!

TNX: JG2MLI/8J1RL-8J6ØJARE

 

Read more at: https://www.nippon.com/en/currents/d00249/

Nanda Devi Hut, Antarctica (WAP IND-NEW)

Nanda Devi Hut is a summer shelter in the area of the Indian Maitri Base (WAP IND-Ø3).

Hut name comes from are Nanda Devi in Himalaya mountain, the second highest mountain in India, and the highest located entirely within the Country.

An old photo (1989/90) shows the Hut that was in use before the build of Maitri Station (WAP IND-Ø3).
It was erected by the construction Team, which came from Daskshin Gangotri Station (WAP IND-Ø1) by helicopter & staying in that hut for rest.

TNX Bhagwati VU3BPZ (aka AT1Ø0BP, 8T2BH)

Korean Barton Refuge (WAP KOR-NEW)

Barton Refuge is a Hut of 3 by 3 mts with gas stove, food, water, dry clothing and dry boots. Located little East of Narebsky point at 62° 14’ 18” South, 58° 45’ 20” West, this Korean outfits is used as emergency shelter  and for scientific purpose. Korea’s King Sejong Station  (WAP KOR-Ø1) lies 2 km to the North-East.

 

Narębski Point is a headland  on the South-East coast of the Barton Peninsula, at the South-Western end of King George Island, in the South Shetlands of Antarctica  with an average elevation of 0 feet above sea level.

The Area is delimited as latitude 62° 13’ 40” South – 62° 14’ 23” South and longitude 58° 45’ 25” – 58° 47’ 00” West, and easily distinguished by mountain peaks on the north and the East boundaries and coastline on the Southwest boundary.

 

Barton Refuge is the unique facility in the area of ASPA N° 171; over there, camping is prohibited except in an emergency, but if necessary, the use of the Refuge facility located on the shore near the Eastern boundary of the Area is strongly encouraged.

“Giacomo Bove Antarctic Base” (WAP ITA-Ø2) relives in Italy thanks to the students

Students of the “Malignani Institute” reconstruct  the basement perimeter of the Italian scientific outpost built in Antarctica in 1976 by the Cepparo’s Expedition. It’s called MAVI  (Memoriale dell’Antartide “Valle Italia”, Cepparo-Bove) and it’s a Memorial to not forget . The Ministry of Cultural Heritage (MiBACT) is one of the sponsors of this “National Antarctic Memorial, Renato Cepparo”

Saturday 24 February 2018, at the “Malignani School 2000” an informal ceremony of the laying of the foundation stone for the reconstruction of the first Italian scientific base in Antarctica has begun: the Tricolor flag is still waving from the “New Giacomo Bove Camp” and the “National Antarctica Memorial, Renato Cepparo” at Cervignano (UD) is growing up; thanks to Alpini corp, Italian Navy, Civil Protection and to all participants who works among the students as well reported on a local newspaper.

Today, the reconstruction of the Giacomo Bove Base Camp foundations, is completed and the Memorial will soon be inaugurated

President of Adri-AntarticaProf. Julius Fabbri, Ph.D. with the Cultural  Association “ Adri-Antartica”  in collaboration with the Municipality of Cervignano del Friuli (UD) and the School “Malignani 2000” member of the UNESCO network are pleased to announce the inauguration ceremony of the Antarctica “Valle Italia” (MANI), Cepparo-Bove, on Friday 25 May 2018 at the headquarters of the “A.Malignani” Technical Institute in Ramazzotti street , 41 – Cervignano del Friuli (Udine). The event falls into the National Competition  of the MIUR “Future Present”, in agreement with UNESCO Youth – second edition –school year 2017/18

 

TNX Julius IV3CCT /II3BOVE (New callsign of the “Malignani 2000” School is IV3HIY )

German research and supply vessel R/V Polarstern

DJØHO/MM has been confirmed as being located on the German icebreaker and Research Vessel R/V Polarstern!

Jörg, DJØHO, is an electronics engineer on board the German icebreaker “Polarstern”.Jörg uses a Red Pitaya STEMLab 125-14 with an active receiving antenna to monitor up to eight WSPR frequencies  simultaneously and regularly uploads reception results to wsprnet.org through the vessel’s satellite link.

DJØHO will be on board until the ship returns to its home port of Bremerhaven, Germany, in June 2018.

Read more at: http://pa7mdj.blogspot.it/search/label/RV%20Polarstern and

https://www.awi.de/en/expedition/ships/polarstern.html

TNX DL5XL and PA7MDJ

Blaiklock Island Hut (WAP GBR-NEW)

The Hut (67° 32′ South,  67° 12′ West) was built in 1957 and used as a satellite and advance base for survey and geological parties for personnel based at Horseshoe Island Station “Y” (WAP GBR-14). It was also used by parties from Detaille Island  Station “W” (WAP GBR-26) and Stonington Island Station “E” (WAP GBR-Ø5). The sea ice around the island had proved unreliable during the previous two seasons, limiting the amount of sled travel and survey work that could be carried out from base.

Located on the  North side of Blaiklock Island, the Hut has been occupied intermittently  in  1957 and 1958. Currently Blaiklock Island Hut is designated as Historic Site No. 63 under the Antarctic Treaty, 19 May 1995 (included with Horseshoe Island Station). The site has been cleaned up and minor repairs completed in Mar 1997.

Horseshoe Island Station, has been activated by Mehdi F5PFP  signing VP8DLM on last March 2011.

 

 

Picture aside shows Horseshoe Island Station “Y” as it was in 1956

Massive Antarctic glacier could collapse, US and UK join forces

International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration will incorporate other nations’ research to time a potential collapse and assess implications for sea level rise, coastal infrastructure.

The collapse of the Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica could significantly affect global sea levels. As part of a new $25 million research collaboration, the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the United Kingdom’s Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) announced today that teams of scientists at U.S. institutions will deploy to Antarctica to gather the data needed to understand whether the glacier could begin to collapse in the next few decades or centuries from now.

The research collaboration, called the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration (ITGC), was announced at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) headquarters in Cambridge, England. The collaboration’s scientists will begin their first research season in Antarctica in October 2018, establishing a logistical support structure for future work. The collaboration will continue until 2021.

Thanks and credit NSF.  Read more at: https://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=245261&WT.mc_id=USNSF_51&WT.mc_ev=click

RRC (Russian Robinson Club) 25th Anniversary.

Yuri Sushkin N3QQ (aka UA9OPA) informs that next September 20-23rd 2018, several Radioamateurs will join the “RRC Anniversary meeting” in Orel, Russia, 200 miles from Moscow. A wonderful opportunity to have lot’s of fun and meet all RRC hard core guys!

The Club Council has developed a program which includes “On air” radio station R25RRC and other call signs with RRC abbreviation from different corners of Russia (according to the RRC club programs) and other the countries  worldwide, and the launch of the anniversary diploma and a plaque “Russian Robinson Club – 25”. New RRA Directory, is complete and RABA are complemented with the class “EXCELLECE” Award.

From the pages of WAP (Worldwide Antarctic Program) we would like to express our gratitude to the efforts always done in these past 25 years by the Russian operators  wherever they have been, whether they are activating new Islands, new Countries,  Bases or rare locations in Antarctica, They have always done a great job. You are simply great guys,  thanks!

Host Representative, Eugene, RZ3EC and friends,  will help participants  with logistics coordination between Moscow and Orel.

TNX Yuri Sushkin N3QQ cell/text +1(206)779-1011

https://www.na-234.com

 

Envelopes coming from Indian Bases in Antarctica

Thanks to Bhagwati VU3BPZ and Rajesh VU3LBP, few  envelopes are now coming at the end of the XXXVI Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica.

It’s always a great emotion to get mail with covers and postal cancellations, envelopes signed by the Base Leaders, or rubber stamped with names of the famous ships that are working in the Icy Continent.

Even if the first stamps produced specifically for use in the Antarctic  were issued by the “New Zealand Post Office on January 15th, 1908“, collecting Antarctic stamps, Covers , Antarctic ship covers, Polarogrammes, or any other envelopes or post cards coming from Antarctica is undoubtedly a great satisfaction … same as receiving QSLs  after an Ham Radio contact with an Antarctic Base!

 

Probably it’s true, all those who have approached even marginally to the radio world, will surely have intuited which indisputable charm it emanates!

Macquarie Station WAP AUS-Ø8

Norbet  Trupp VK5MQ,  is currently operating from Macquarie Island as VKØAI.  He uses an Icom IC-7300 with vertical and has been already reported active on 20, 30, 40 & 80 mts bands in FT8 Mode.

QRZ.com says that Norbert who will stay at Macquarie Island Antarctic Research Base until March 2019, has Internet access, and is an avid user of both FT8 & eQSL.cc.

QSL via VK5MQ

In 1911, Australia’s Sir Douglas Mawson established the island’s first scientific station to conducti geomagnetic observations and mapping the island. Studies were made of the island’s botany, zoology, meteorology and geology.

The Macquarie Island expedition also established the first radio link between Australia and Antarctica by setting up a radio relay station on Wireless Hill that could communicate with both Mawson’s main expedition group at Commonwealth Bay and Australia.

In addition, on Macquarie Island (WAP AUS-Ø8), are still present the Wireless Hill Hut, the Operating Hut  & Engine Hut and few other Huts, all of the are WAP AUS-NEW.

The Wireless Relay Station  Wireless Hill, 54° 29’ 41”South, 158° 56’ 29” East. 

The last remaining pieces of the Macquarie Island masts were recovered nearly 100 years later in April 2011, by the Mawson’s Huts Foundation in partnership with the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service, which has responsibility for the island on behalf of the Tasmanian Government. The fragments were returned to Hobart for conservation by the Foundation at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, where they will be displayed.

The locations are listed on Section 2 of WAP-WADA Directory among the other Macquarie Huts which are still un-numbered (WAP AUS-NEW) … just wondering if in the future some of the Hams at tha Base can try to activate them!

Read more at: http://maritimeradio.org/other-stations/macquarie-island/ 

Bob Hines K4MZU, the top of WADA & WACA score

W.A.P. – W.A.D.A. (Worldwide Antarctic Program – Worked All Directory Award)  is one of the  most famous Antarctic Awards actually  present worldwide.
It is issued by A.R.I.  (Italian Amateur Radio Association), through the A.R.I. division of Mondovì (Cuneo) and supported by  W.A.P. Staff.

Being Top Honor Roll, Bob K4MZU is, among the 194 owners of   WAP-WADA Antarctic Award, the Ham Radio operator  who has made 2 ways contacts with the highest number of Research Stations in the Icy Continent.

A good amount of will and determination, years of hard work, always beaming South, hours and hours of  patient listening to find out a signal coming from the Pole of to achieve results like that.

Today, Bob Hines K4MZU is at the top of WAP-WADA worldwide ranking; Antarctic chasers are happy and proud  to congratulate him. Gathering 196 of Stations, Huts, Refuges, Camps in Antarctica, is not an easy task, it takes years and years!

But this is not enough … another 50 New entries from Bob on WAP-WACA Award; that makes Bob jumping over 465 different callsigns been worked in the Icy Continent including Sub & Peri-Antarctic Territories; believe it or not, that means a life of hard  work.

Congrats Bob, you’re Great, a real DXer, a real Old Timer!

Antarctic expeditioners mark Anzac Day

Casey Research Station (WAP AUS-Ø2):
Snow, ice and below-zero temperatures haven’t dissuaded Australia’s Antarctic expeditioners from paying their respects on Anzac Day.
The team of 26 held a dawn service at Casey Research Station (WAP AUS-Ø2) on Wednesday morning. It was led by expeditioner Rebecca Jeffcoat, who has been with the Royal Australian Navy for 28 years and served in the Middle East.
“I’ve been to many Anzac Day events over the years and today’s service, held against a backdrop of icebergs in Newcomb Bay, is one I will never forget,” she said.
The team, who are spending the winter at the research station, gathered under the flag-pole in -15°C.
“Expeditioners took the opportunity to proudly share their family member’s service experience; in the Boer War, lost at sea in World War II and in Afghanistan,” Ms Jeffcoat said.
Source: http://www.antarctica.gov.au/news/2018/anzac-day-in-antarctica

Mawson Research Station (WAP AUS-Ø4):
Anzac Day represents a significant day in the calendar of events down south. With calm winds and a pink sky at Mawson we held a Dawn Service on ANZAC Day to remember those men and women from Australia and New Zealand who died or suffered in the tragedy of war.

Pic aside: The ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Mawson. (Photo: Pete Layt)

Australia’s Antarctic program has long links with the Australian Defence Force since it was founded in 1947.
TNX and credit to: http://www.antarctica.gov.au/

Too bad, no Ham radio operation has been performed to mark Anzac day! Hope to hear some VKØs active on HF from there soon.

UAE to tow icebergs from Antarctica for drinking water

The United Arab Emirates is planning to tow icebergs from Antarctica to its coast to solve its issues with drinking water.

The National Advisor Bureau Limited company plans to provide a new source of freshwater for the region by towing the iceberg from Antarctica to the coast of the eastern emirate of Fujairah.

The Masdar city-based company then plans to mine the iceberg for drinking water.

Read more at: https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/uae-tow-icebergs-antarctica-drinking-water/3174475/

The Guardian did reports another interesting statement about such an ambitious project.
Read more at: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/may/05/could-towing-icebergs-to-hot-places-solve-the-worlds-water-shortage 

Thanks and Credit: Northenstar and The Guardian 

Henry Perk KC4/VEØHSS … quite an adventurer!

Starting his career as a Certified Swiss Mountain Guide, Henry Perk  acquired his commercial pilots license and Ham license while guiding in the Canadian Rockies.

 

In 1984 (before GPS and satellite phones) Henry started flying a DHC Twin Otter in Antarctica for Kenn Borek Air. Over the following 32 years, in support of both private expeditions and national science programs, Henry has logged over 30,000 flight hours.

At an average cruising speed of 170 miles an hour, it can be estimated that Henry has flown greater than 5 million miles, mostly on the windiest, driest, highest, coldest and most remote Continent.

While in Antarctic each summer in the 1990’s Henry operated from many large and small locations as Siple Dome Station (WAP USA-18), Vostok Station (WAP RUS-13), WASA (WAP SVE-Ø4), ABOA (WAP FIN-Ø1), South Pole Station (WAP USA-21), McMurdo (WAP USA-22), Dome Charlie (WAP USA-Ø5), and many others.

Now Henry and friends sail around the Pacific in his 15 meter sailboat enjoying the warm waters.. what a nice retirement for him! Henry Perk… quite an adventurer

The above photo of Henry is courtesy of The Antarctic SunHenry Perk.

TNX Bob K4MZU

Petermann Bay, Antarctica

Ice makes Antarctica unforgettable
By Daphne Bramham,  Postmedia columnist

The iceberg graveyard in Petermann Bay in Antarctica provides plenty of opportunity for whales, seals, penguins and other seabirds to feed along.  Wind and current have created an iceberg graveyard here. The ice groans and sighs. The icebergs crackle and sparkle, buck and roll in the brilliant sunlight, reflecting every shade of blue.
They ride great swells. Water washed up and over one massive piece of sculptured ice sending cascades of watery fireworks. They are anything but static. Next to it, another iceberg seemed on the verge of rolling over. With each wave, the front edge nearly disappeared before soaring up again to full height.
Icebergs do roll occasionally, setting off mini-tsunamis. It happens if the balance is disturbed either by the iceberg striking the bottom and getting hung up or by a substantial chunk above the water breaking off.
Read more at:  http://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/the-last-continent-ice-makes-antarctica-unforgettable-and-makes-it-habitable-for-penguins-whales-seals-and-seabirds 

Petermann Bay or Petermann Island?
We did ask Daphne where was Petermann Bay located, as we weren’t able to find it in any books or maps.

Good and kind answer from her:
You are quite right and I was quite wrong. It was Petermann Island.
All the best,
Daphne Bramham, Columnist-Vancouver Sun
Thanks Daphne Bramham

Chapel of San Francisco de Asís. Base Esperanza (WAP ARG-Ø4)

On one of the thirteen Argentine Research Stations in Antarctica, Esperanza Base (WAP ARG-Ø4), we find the Chapel of San Francisco de Asís. The Esperanza base is inhabited all year round by civilians and is considered by the Argentines, as the southernmost city of the country, although it is only a small village. Besides the church, the base also has a school, a museum, a bar, a casino and a hospital with permanent maternity service and where enough Argentines have  come to the world.

As a curiosity, to say that the first human born in the Antarctic continent, Emilio Marcos Palma, (born 7 January 1978) is an Argentine man known for being the  first documented  person born on the Icy Continent . Emilio Marcos Palma was baptized in the Chapel of San Francisco de Asís.

see also: http://www.waponline.it/11122008/

In addition to the Base Esperanza chapel, there are other Argentine Antarctic chapels permanently located in the operational bases. We’ll see them all  shortly … follow us and enjoy Antarctica as much as we do!

Indian Post Office in Antarctica

The Post Office was part of the Research Base known as Dakshin Gangotri (WAP IND-Ø1). It was set up during the third Indian expedition to the Antarctic but after six years of rigorous service, the place was decommissioned. The whole place got buried under the heavy blanket snow and is now marked as a historical site. The Post Office became operational on February 24, 1984 and was part of multiple support systems at Dakshin Gangotri. The other facilities included an ice-melting plant, accommodation, recreation facilities, laboratories, storage, a clinic and a bank counter. The Dakshin Gangotri Post Office was established under the Department of Post Office at Goa on January 26, 1988. Scientist G. Sudhakar Rao was appointed as the first Honorary Postmaster. He had gone to the Antarctic as a member of the Seventh Indian Scientific Expedition in 1987. In the very first year of its foundation, almost 10,000 letters were posted and cancelled in the Dakshin Gangotri post office..

Read more at: https://www.newsgram.com/indian-post-office-antarctic-circle

Groussac Naval Refuge, Antarctica (WAP ARG-18)

Opened on February 6, 1955, Grussac Naval refuge  (65° 10’ 33” South, 64° 08’ 10” West), on Petermann Island,  was originally named to Hipólito Bouchard. , It takes its current name in homage to Paul Groussac (1848-1929), a  French writer and historian based in Argentina and author of an allegation about the Argentine sovereignty of the Falkland Islands.  Close to this  Argentine naval refuge ( an old corrugated iron shack in rusted colors), lays a simple cross monument, an unreadable metal plaque  with  just one word “John” recalls the dead of a man of the British Antarctic Survey, who tried to get here over the sea ice in 1982..

Within the framework of the 2017-2018 Antarctic Summer Campaign, a crew of 8 members of the Argentine Navy came to Groussac Naval Refuge with the mission of restoring it. The refuge, which did not receive maintenance work since 2007, is again fully operational, ready to be habitable and provide support to science and to the navigators who pass through there. In addition, during the repairs, the crew found the foundation’s charter of the refuge, a document of significant historical value.

Turkey to establish its own Base in Antarctica

 

Ankara, April 12: Turkey will establish its scientific Base in Antarctica in 2019, Turkish Industry and Technology Minister Faruk Ozlu said on Wednesday.

“We will go there to establish our scientific base next year. The foundations of Turk Scientific Base will be laid,” Xinhua cited state-run Anadolu Agency quoting Ozlu as saying.

“First, we will build our base, then we will apply for the status of  “advisory state”. Advisory states are those that have a say in Antarctica’s today and tomorrow,” he said.

Turkey currently owns the status of “Observatory State” in Antarctica. A Turkish expedition team consists of 28 scientists went to Antarctica for the second time for polar research in February, and will return this month. The Team is also aiming at assessing the feasibility of establishing a scientific base in Antarctica. Turkey conducted its first expedition to the continent in 2017.

Source: http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/turkey-plans-to-set-up-scientific-base-in-antarctica-in-2019-118041200118_1.html

UK researcher Prof. Julian Dowdeswell will lead the international effort.

A scientific expedition will next year try to find the Endurance, the ill-fated ship of Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.  The vessel sank in 1915, crushed by sea-ice in the Weddell Sea and lost in 3,000m of water.

Shackleton and his crew were forced into lifeboats to make an extraordinary and heroic escape across the Southern Ocean.

He expects to have the cruise on station in January/February.

Locating the shipwreck is not the primary goal of the expedition; the major objective is to visit and study the Larsen C Ice Shelf, which last July calved one of thr biggest icebergs ever recorded in Antarctica.

But because Larsen is so close to the last known position of the Endurance, it makes sense to also have a go at finding the famous ship.

Read more at: http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-43703723

Antarctic greenhouse at Neumayer III Station

Scientists in Antarctica have harvested their first crop of vegetables grown without earth, daylight or pesticides as part of a project designed to help astronauts cultivate fresh food on other planets.

Researchers at Germany’s Neumayer Station III (WAP DEU-Ø8) say they’ve picked 3.6 kilograms (8 pounds) of salad greens, 18 cucumbers and 70 radishes grown inside a high-tech greenhouse as temperatures outside dropped below -20 degrees Celsius (-4 Fahrenheit).

Picture provided by the German aerospace center (DLR) shows engineer Paul Zabel with fresh salad he harvested in the EDEN-ISS greenhouse at the Neumeyer-Station III on Antarctica.

Read more at: http://gazette.com/scientists-harvest-1st-vegetables-in-antarctic-greenhouse/article/feed/554219

 

Thanks and credit: German aerospace center (DLR)

Dakshin Gangotri Station (WAP IND-Ø1)

Indian Antarctic Program did start in 1981 with the first Indian expedition to Antarctica, a huge geo-political achievement. Dr. S Z Qasim, Secretary of Department of Environment and former Director of NIO was selected as the leader of the 21 member Team.

The expedition left Goa on December 6, 1981, on board M/V Polar Circle, a chartered ship from Norway. They landed in Antarctica on January 9th , 1982 and returned to Goa on February 21st , 1982, thus marking the end of their 77-day expedition

Dakshin Gangotri was the first Indian scientific research station established in Antarctica, as part of the Indian Antarctic Program. Located at a distance of 2,500 kilometres from the South Pole, it was established during the third Indian expedition to Antarctica in 1983/84. This was the first time an Indian team spent a winter in Antarctica to carry out scientific work Dakshin Gangotri was built in eight weeks by an 81 member Team. With help from the Indian army they did  complete the construction in January 1984.

January 26th , 1984, India’s Republic Day was celebrated at the station along with Soviet and East German scientists

Dakshin Gangotri was decommissioned in 1990 after it got half buried in ice. It is now marked as a historical site.

Shortly before the first station Dakshin Gangotri Station did bury in ice and abandoned in 1990/91,  an India’s second permanent research station in Antarctica (Maitri Station WAP IND-Ø3) was built and finished in 1989.

Maitri Base is situated on the rocky mountainous region called Schirmacher Oasis. India also built a freshwater lake around Maitri known as Lake Priyadarshini.  The research station is only 5 km away from the Russian Novolazarevskaya Station and is equipped to carry out research in various disciplines, such as biology, earth sciences, glaciology, atmospheric sciences, meteorology, cold region engineering, communication, human physiology, and medicine.

Antarctic Philately

This is a good time to recall the Antarctic followers that post mail sent from the various Bases during the last Antarctic summer season are now coming.

Great job is done by several worldwide Polar Philatelist Societies, just available on the web to learn and share the common interest in stamps, covers, and postal history. An interesting site with lots of links and information can be found here: http://www.webring.org/l/rd?ring=worldpostalhisto;id=8;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Enewzeal%2Ecom%2Fsteve%2Fantarctica%2Ehtm

This page contains links to separate Antarctic sections which we are continually adding to two or three times a week. 

To get info and suggestions on how to start collect stamps from Antarctica can be found here: http://stamps.mybalconyjungle.com/antarctic_covers/antarctic_covers.html

Inside the WAP Antarctic QSL Gallery at http://www.waponline.it/photo-gallery/qsl-gallery/   there is a large Antarctic Philatelic Gallery to enjoy, pay a visit!

Demise of Shri. Subhajit Sen – Member 37th ISEA

With deep sorrow we (at WAP) knew at this moment that a young researcher engaged in the Antarctic campaign at the Indian Maitri Base, was victim of an accident in the Ice shelf.

Born on 13th April 1994, Shri.  Subhajit Sen did pass away  on  Tuesday the 27th March 2018 while at Indian convoy route to Maitri Station , Antarctica in service to the Nation.
He met with an accident during convoy operations at Ice Shelf and suffered a major trauma late evening of 26th March 2018.
He was immediately rushed towards the Expedition Vessel and Doctors joined with medical help around 23:15 hrs (UTC+01). Unfortunately, attempts to revive him went in vain and he bid farewell due to fatal injuries to this mortal world at 00:12 hrs (UTC+01).

The  student participant  Shri Subhajit Sen,  was deputed to Antarctica  a member of the short term Team of the 37th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (ISEA) in November 2017 and was expected to return back home by April 2018. Through a competitive process, he was selected for the expedition based on his research project “Deformation – Fabric in Sub-glacial Till Exposed in Schirmacher Oasis”.

Shri Subhajit Sen  was an intelligent young scientist, adorable personality with many facets and an energetic member of the team who would bring smile to many faces, would go an extra mile to help others and would stand by in the hour of need, is no more with us– is the sad comment of the Indian Antarctic Center – Shri Sen will always remain in the hearts of fellow Antarcticans and remembered with fondness. His contributions to Antarctic Sciences will always be admired.

 

With profound grief and sorrow we at the Indian Research Base, Maitri Antarctica and at National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research, Goa condole the death of Shri Subhajit Sen and pray to God almighty for his soul rests in peace and for strength courage and solace to the family.
Read more at:  http://www.ncaor.gov.in/news


On behalf of the WAP community, sure to interpret the sentiment of the thousands of Hams, Antarctic chasers, Scientific colleagues  as well as all the Antarctic followers, worldwide, we send our deepest condolences to the family and to everyone in the NCAOR Department.
His soul rest in peace.

For condolences to family and friends write to condolence.sen@ncaor.gov.in

Happy 50th Birthday Palmer Station! WAP USA-23

Officially opened on 20 March 1968; the US Palmer Research Station (WAP USA-23) on Anvers Island focuses primarily on Antarctic marine biology and zoology.

Located on Anvers Island near the Antarctic Peninsula, Palmer Station (64° 46’S, 64° 03’W) is named for Nathaniel B. Palmer, who in 1820 on a sealing expedition in his 47-foot (14-meter) ship the Hero became the first American to record sighting Antarctica. The original station was built in 1965. In 1967, the U.S. Navy began construction of the current larger and more permanent station approximately a mile east of the original site. The first building at the new station, the biology laboratory, opened its doors to science in 1970. Today, two main buildings and several smaller structures make up Palmer Station and provide housing and research facilities for scientists and support personnel. Of the three U.S. Antarctic stations, Palmer is the only one that is accessed routinely during the winter.

Palmer Station Webcam is mounted on a tower overlooking the smallest of the United States Antarctic stations, as well as Arthur Harbour and the Bismarck Strait beyond. Palmer station webcam at: https://www.usap.gov/videoclipsandmaps/palwebcam.cfm

Thanks and credit  to National Science Foundation (NSF)

And now … a quick tour of Palmer Station WAP USA-23