“Antarctica”, the first fully electric polar  vehicle by Venturi

On: By: Gianni Varetto

Inspired by HSH Prince Albert II of  Monaco Exploration,  after he visited Antarctica in 2009, the very first EV’s (Electric Vehicles) it’s currently in service at Belgium’s Princess Elisabeth Antarctica Station (WAP BEL-Ø2). The Prince, wanted to develop a machine that could operate on the Icy Continent without affecting the ecosystem.

See: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/move-electric/venturi-antarctica-first-fully-electric-polar-research-vehicle?fbclid=IwAR3XEKM5-ihmc-vqfzTe7bTbOIIUOrw0Btc5gEOI0MEVNUDhPqIkIeVHtb8

Measuring 3400cm long and 2180cm high, the “Antarctica EV” weighs 2.5 tons  and can carry up to six people plus equipment. There’s room for two in the front cabin, with an adaptable rear section that features four folding seats.

In operation at the Princess Elisabeth Research Station since December 10, Venturi’s electric tracked vehicle provides an environmentally responsible means of transport for the staff at the zero-emission Belgian base.
Read more at: Behind the scenes of the Venturi Antarctica, the first electric polar exploration vehicle (monaco-tribune.com)

Good chance for Polar Philately’s collectors  to get special envelopes to celebrate the event!
TNX Eddy De Busschere @ Belgian Polar Expedition Society (BPES)

Valery Sushkow  RW3GW/RMØL, Honorary President of RRC, awarded  with a Medal

On: By: Gianni Varetto

Valery Sushkov  (RW3GW/RMØL) Honorary President of the Russian Robinson Club, is a great Expeditionner with several activities in Antarctica and in the Arctic.

I had a plesure to meet Valery RW3GW and his brother Albert RV3GW  about 30 years ago when,  both were young island chasers  and we became good friends!

Recently, on January 17, 2022, the Moscow office of the Law and Order-Shield Foundation did award the explorer-traveler  Valery Sushkov (RW3GW-RMØL) with a commemorative Medal  “In commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the discovery of Antarctica by Russian navigators F. Bellingshausen and M. Lazarev on the sloops Vostok and Mirny.“

The award was presented to Valery Sushkov RMØL by the head of the organizing committee of the project “Russian Antarctica. History in continuation” Alexander Ilyin.

Earlier in 1999-2000,  Valery Sushkov was a member of the International Complex Antarctic Expedition to the South Pole (CE9/R3CA, R3RRC/ANT), a participant and organizer of more than 100 different expeditions, and in 2021 he was awarded the Geographical Oscar in the nomination “Travel & Expedition” for the Pacific Historical and Geographical Expedition “Marine Heritage of Primorsky Kray” and the postal experiment POSTVENTURE postventure.ru.

The medal was minted specifically for the round-the-world expedition of sailboats of Rosrybolovstvo by order of the Presidential Grants Fund and the non-profit partnership for promoting the development of cinema and tourism Kit. The obverse of the medal exactly copies the original, made by order of Emperor Alexander I for the expedition teams of Thaddeus Bellingshausen and Mikhail Lazarev. On the reverse is a dedication to the circumnavigation of the sailing ships Kruzenshtern, Sedov and Pallada.

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WAP expresses all the admiration and complacency for the important acknowledgments to his friend Valery Sushkov who,  with his many DX-peditions has given to the Radioamateurs from all over the World , the thrill of having logged rare spots,  both in Antarctica and in the Arctic!

TNX Oleg Latyshev UA6HPR/UA6GG @ DX Trophy Awards Group

Argentina: Covid-19 hits Antarctic Esperanza Research Base

On: By: Gianni Varetto

For the first time since the start of the pandemic,  Coronavirus has reached an Argentine research base in Antarctica, causing the evacuation of nine unvaccinated staff who tested positive for Covid-19, an official said Thursday.

Twenty-four of the 43 scientists and military personnel resident at Argentina’s Esperanza Base (WAP ARG-Ø4) have been infected, Patricia Ortuzar of the government’s National Directorate of the Antarctic told AFP.

Nine of the 24, who have no symptoms, were evacuated by helicopter as a precaution.

They had been in Antarctica since before the start of Argentina’s vaccination campaign in 2021, and were due to travel to the capital to be jabbed.

They had decided to wait to get their shots in Argentina, fearing having to deal with possible side-effects in the extreme environment that is Antarctica.

Thanks and credit:  https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220120-nine-evacuated-as-covid-19-hits-antarctic-research-base?fbclid=IwAR1FpPSZE5yzpO61SQhlb0W1ajxjIUjtJINtG3ZuiT5oO2XlwzhE9lU9WpA

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Esperanza Research Base
At  63°24′ South and  56°59′ West on a rocky surface at 25 meters high and 30 meters from the coastline,  Esperanza Base (WAP ARG-Ø4) is located in Hope Bay, Trinity Peninsula, the northernmost part of the Antarctic Peninsula.
The structure was inaugurated in 1952 as a permanent base, and it now consists of 43 buildings for a total covered area of 374.400 sqm. It accommodates up to 90 people during the summer which fall to 55 in the winter season. In addition, around 1,100 tourists visit the structure each year during the austral summer.

Dome C  Summer Camp,  WAP MNB-14 (New entry)

On: By: Gianni Varetto

Dome C Summer Camp  is now entering  on WAP-WADA  Antarctic Directory as  WAP MNB- 14

Following the operation by  David Brunet F4FKT who did sign FT4YM/p (November & Dicember 2021 and January 2022), at Dome C-Summer Camp  75° 05’ 59” South, 123° 19’ 56” East, a new  WAP reference  has been issued.

The picture aside , taken recently  by the helicopter, shows both sites (Dome C Summer Camp to the left and Concordia Station to the right). The two sites have really 2 official names and are separated each other  by a land strip.

Dome C summer Camp (75°05’59” South, 123°19’ 56” East), is a large camp, detached  by  about 700/800 mts from Concordia Station. This was the original site  of the first Epica project  then,  it was the support  base for the workers who built Concordia Station.

Dome C Smmer camp was never dismantled and actually is used as  a depot  with housing and warehouse. All the scientific equipments are inside the towers of Concordia and inside the shelters scattered around the Base.

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Note that, last  Hams allowed to operate Ham Radio from inside Concordia Station (WAP MNB-Ø3) were Paride Legovini  IAØ/IZ3SUS (year 2014)  and Marco de Pas (IK5SQX-DK5SQX) signing IAØ/DK5SQX (year 2019).
Picture on the right, show Paride Legovini IAØ/IZ3SUS at the Radio Room at Concordia Station.

19th Antarctic Activity Week

On: By: Gianni Varetto

The 19th edition of the Antarctic Activity Week will start next February 21st and will last till February 28th 2022. Note that this is the date suggested, but everyone can get involved before or after this window.

For 19 years we, Antarctic enthusiasts, chasers, DXers and lovers of the Icy Continent  have been joining this annual event.

While we thanks the Hams that have already signed in, we remind every Hams to join. Apply your special call and are pleases to enlist in this Antarctic adventure.

Last entry for this year AAW, is François Bergez F8DVD who said: «I am happy to join the 19th Antarctic Activity Week. My call will be TM19AAW, WAP-344  and activation from February 7 to 21.

Propagation is going better and better with new cycle 25 , so I’m sure it will be a new great event.

CU on air to all Antarctic Enthusiasts !  QSL via my home call F8DVD».

Check : http://www.waponline.it/antarctic-activity-week/aaw-2022/ to see the stations that have already confirm their participation … and come onboard with your special call to celebrate Antarctica!

Antarctic attractions: Six landmarks in Christchurch, NZ

On: By: Gianni Varetto

An interesting view of the six landmarks  have been published on Newstalk ZB, by Thomas Bywater, NZ Herald.
Captain Scott’s Hut, Robert Falcon Scott Memorial, The last sled dog statue,are just some of the so many interesting features that characterize this important center which represents the bridge to the Icy Continent.

Just pay a visit to Antarctic attractions: Six landmarks in Christchurch (newstalkzb.co.nz) to get introduced and open your door to a place that represents one of the only five cities in the world with direct travel links to Antarctica.  Christchurch as home to the Antarctic Explorer’s hub.

Thanks and credit to New Zealand Herald.

Base Petrel (WAP ARG-17) will become a permanent Base in Antarctica

On: By: Gianni Varetto

Good news is coming from Argentina: Base Naval Petrel WAP ARG-17 will return to be a permanent Base in Antarctica! How can the Old Timers forget when LU1ZR & LU5ZR were almost every evening on HF bands making contacts with the Antarctic Chasers?

Well, one of the objective of the 118th Summer Antarctic Campaign is the refurbishment of Base Petrel, so that it can run again throughout the year.

Being on a plain at sea level, a rarity in Antarctica, Petrel has a microclimate that allows the base to be operable at any time of the year.

In addition, due to its location on Dundee Island, it can be used as an Antarctic logistics bridge integrated into the Ushuaia Pole project, in which,  the construction of a dock, facilities and service housing for personnel is planned, in order to be able to supply the Argentinean Bases quickly and efficiently.

Petrel did operate as an Antarctic permanent Base from 1952 to 1974, when after a fire it began to be operated just as a temporary Base.

The national government has just granted additional resources to the Ministry of Defense that will be owed to the reopening of Petrel Base and to continue with the re-equipment of the Armed Forces as planned.

Since 2013, a plan was drawn up to reactivate it as a permanent logistics hub on the Antarctic continent.

The Ministry of Defense informs that, through the budget modification made by the Executive Power through a Decree published in the Official Gazette,  more resources will be allocated to tasks related to the reopening of the Petrel Base in Antarctica.

Thanks and Credit to: https://www.argentina.gob.ar/noticias/el-gobierno-nacional-otorgara-recursos-adicionales-al-ministerio-de-defensa-que-seran

Knowing the Antarctic Domes

On: By: Gianni Varetto

What are the “Domes” ?

They are very flat snow summits across the Antarctic High plateau. From what I know, they’ve been named more or less according to their altitude while being discovered by the first pilots to fly airplanes across the continent in the 50s.

There are several  “Domes” in Antarctica as shown on the Map:

Dome A, Dome B (aka Ridge B), 200 km upstream of the Vostok ice core),  Dome C, Talos Dome, Titan Dome, an unnamed ice Dome located near to South Pole and Dome Fuji

 

Dome A (aka Dome Argus)

Dome Argus at 80°22′ South,  77°22′ East,  has a surface elevation of 4,093 m. It is the highest place in East Antarctica and also one of the least-known places on the globe. An automatic weather station provides data from this remote site.

Dome Argus lies near one end of a ridge about 60 km long and 10 km wide. The ice there is more than 3,000 m thick, overlaying the subglacial Gamburtsev Mountains.
At Dome A, an  Automatic weather station (AWS) was set up as part of anAustralian-Chinese collaboration in January 2005. No ground-based scientific investigation had been made at this site before the arrival of the Chinese over-snow traverse team.

Source: Dome Argus – Australian Antarctic Program (antarctica.gov.au)

Dome B (aka Ridge B)

3807 m above sea level at , 79.02°South, 93.69°East, Dome B was discovered at a distance of 170 km from the Russian Vostok Station.

Source: First glaciological investigations at Ridge B, central East Antarctica | Antarctic Science | Cambridge Core

Dome C

Dome C, also known as Dome Circe, Dome Charlie or Dome Concordia, is situated on top of the Antarctic Polar Plateau, the world’s largest frozen desert ever, at an elevation of 3,233 metres (10,607 ft) above sea level, is one of several summits or “Domes” of the Antarctic Ice Sheet.

Dome C  is the site of the Concordia Research Station (75°06’06” South, 123°23’ 43” East)  jointly operated by France and Italy.

In the 1970s, Dome C was the site of ice core drilling by field teams of several nations. It was called Dome Charlie. In 1992, France decided to build a new station on the Antarctic Plateau. The program was later joined by Italy. In 1996, a French-Italian team established a Summer camp at Dome C. The two main objectives of the camp were the provision of logistical support for the European Project for IceCoring in Antarctica (EPICA) and the construction of a permanent research station. The new all-year facility,Concordia Station, became operational in 2005.
The so called Dome C summer Camp (75°05’59” South, 123°19’ 56” East), about 700 mts from Concordia Station  was never dismantled and actually is used as it was in 1996. This Dome C summer camp, pic aside, before the construction of the two towers of Concordia, was the support base of the first Epica project, then it was the support site for the workers who built Concordia Station. Actually, Dome C summer Camp is just a depot with housing and warehouse. All the scientific equipments are inside the towers of Concordia and inside the shelters scattered around the Base. “Dome C Summer Camp” will be add as WAP MNB-NEW to WAP-WADA Directory.

Most of the cargo coming by traverse from Dumont d’Urville Station, covering 1,200 km in 7 to 12 days depending on weather conditions,  moved to Dome C and  unloaded at the summer camp. Station personnel and light cargo instead arrive by air, using Twin Otter aircraft from DDU or Mario Zucchelli Station at 1200 km.

The Project Epica Beyond  at Little Dome C is about 32 km from Concordia and the site is called Little Dome C-Epica Beyond,  (WAP MNB-NEW).

Dome C North Radar

The radar of the SuperDARN network is  located at 1.4 km from the Franco-Italian base Concordia, at Dome C, i.e. very close to the Antarctic geomagnetic pole, at about 3200 m above sea level. This makes it the highest geomagnetic latitude radar and the highest altitude radar. Its field of view conjugates with those of the McMurdo radar and the just installed South Pole radar.’

Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) radar installed at the Concordia Station in Antarctica and denominated Dome C North (DCN) saw the first light. SuperDARN is an international network of HF radars that observe the effects produced in the ionosphere by the chain of phenomena taking place in the Earth’s space environment. DCN and its companion radar Dome C East (DCE) are positioned nearby the southern geomagnetic pole with their Field of View extending towards the auroral latitudes. Here we present the analysis of the first year of observations as a function of the interplanetary conditions.

Source: Dome C North radar, a new radar of the SuperDARN network: the first year of observations. – NASA/ADS (harvard.edu)

and: SuperDARN radar now operating at Dome C in Antarctica!

Talos Dome

Talos Dome is an ice dome on the edge of the East Antarctic plateau; because accumulation is higher here than in other domes of East Antarctica, the ice preserves a good geochemical and palaeoclimatic record. A new map of the Talos Dome area locates the dome summit elevation (2318.5m)  using the global positioning system (GPS) (72˚47’ 14’’South, 159˚04’ 2’’ East).
Source : Geophysical survey at Talos Dome, East Antarctica: the search for a new deep-drilling site | Annals of Glaciology | Cambridge Core

and Dr. Jérôme CHAPPELLAZ – Some of my pictures taken during scientific field expeditions (jerome-chappellaz.com)

Titan Dome

Based on sparse data, Titan Dome has been identified as having a higher probability of containing ice that would capture the middle Pleistocene transition (1.25 to 0.7 Ma). New aerogeophysical observations (radar and laser altimetry) collected over Titan Dome, located about 200 km from the South Pole within the East Antarctic Ice Sheet, were used to characterize the region (e.g., geometry, internal structure, bed reflectivity, and flow history) and assess its suitability as a paleoclimate ice core site.

Source: TC – Aerogeophysical characterization of Titan Dome, East Antarctica, and potential as an ice core target (copernicus.org)

Dome Fuji (aka Dome F)

Dome Fuji also called Dome F or Valkyrie Dome is an ice dome rising to about 3,810 m (12,500 ft) above sea level in the eastern part of Queen Maud Land (77°30’South, 37°30’ East).

Dome F it’s the second-highest summit or ice dome of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet . Dome F is the site of Dome Fuji Station, a research station operated by Japan

Located in the eastern part of Queen Maud Land, Dome Fuji is a zone of ice that characterizes it as a special place, with more than 720,000 years of history recorded in its ice. Japan was encouraged to install a scientific base, Dome Fuji Base, despite the complexity of its supply and maintenance.

DOME FUJI: 720,000 YEARS OF HISTORY IN ICE – Inuit WindSled (greenland.net)

WAP  2022, new Release 1.39 of WAP Awards and more

On: By: Gianni Varetto

From the Homepage of WAP website, go to: http://www.waponline.it/wap-awards_download-rules/

You can find the 2022 edition (release 1.39)  of WAP-WACA & WAP-WADA Directories as well as Rules in French, English and Italian language to download for free and joining the hundreds of Hams thta have already got the presitigious WAP Awards!   In addition , you’ll get the IK6CAC  Dbase (Version 28, release 038), the dedicated software to manage your WAP Awards.

At  http://www.waponline.it/wap-antarctic-sub-antarctic-light-house-directory/ you can check or download the WAP Antarctic & Sub Antarctic Light House Directory

At WAP AWARD’s page http://www.waponline.it/wap-awards/ the WAP-WACA and WAP-WADA  issued , the ranking and more, all updated from January 1st 2022

TNX IK1GPG & IK1QFM

Polish Antarctic research station emerges from 43 years hibernation

On: By: Gianni Varetto

A group of scientists have arrived at the only Polish research station on mainland Antarctica, which has been dormant since 1979 but will now be reactivated.

The team, headed by Marek Lewandowski and which includes Monika Kusiak, the first Polish woman to work at the station, arrived at the Dobrowolski Polar Station (pic aside) on Saturday morning Polish time, almost two months after setting off on their expedition.

They will now spend around six weeks reactivating the station in the Bunger Hills, also known as Bunger Oasis, and setting up equipment which will conduct seismic and magnetic measurements.

more info at:  https://notesfrompoland.com/2022/01/10/polish-antarctic-research-station-emerges-from-43-year-hibernation/

A.B. Dobrowolski Polar Station is an inactive Polish polar research station in Antarctica. It is located at the edge of the Algae Lake , Bunger Hills region, in the Wilkes Land and was originally constructed by the Soviet Union in 1956 and named Oazis (WAP RUS-NEW). The station was handed over by the Soviert Academy of Science to the Polish Academy of Science in January 1959. It was manned briefly by the Polish expedition, which carried out a number of studies, primarily in the fields of gravimetry and geomorphology. The station has not been used regularly since, due to the lack of funds and the high costs of air transport. The station has been visited periodically by Polish and other research teams.

A.B. Dobrowolski Polar Station (WAP POL-NEW) is one of the two Polish stations in Antarctica, the other (pic aside) being the Henry Arctowsky Polish Antarctic Station (WAP POL-Ø1) operating continuously since 1977, located on the Island of King George in the South Shetland archipelago, and the station that has not been used for about 40 years,  the A.B. Dobrowolski Polar Station (named after Polish geophysicist, meteorologist and explorer Antoni Boleslaw Dobrowolskin).

VP8/SQ1SGB Halley VI-a Base (WAP GBR-40)

On: By: Gianni Varetto

Nice pileup last night on 7189 where Sebastian Gleich SQ1SGB was testing the new antenna just installed at Halley VI-a Base (WAP GBR-40).

VP8/SQ1SGB was entering with quite a good stable signal,   from S-5 toS-7. Another good one for WAP Awards.

Seba, did send a couple of pics of his multi band antenna well set among two pilons in the ice!
Check 40 mts from 22, 00 GMT and ahead.
Yesterday at 23,00 utc band was open to EU, Russia, North, Central and South America with quite a bit of pileup.

QSL for VP8/SQ1SGB has bo requested via EB7DX

TNX Seba VP8/SQ1SGB

Little Dome C (aka Epica Beyond Camp) WAP MNB-NEW?

On: By: Gianni Varetto

Last minute info:
We have just received some information fom Danilo IAØ/IZ1KHY, who is actually in company with David FT4YM/P at “Dome C” Summer Camp.

We must reconsider the provisional WAP reference of Little Dome C,  just issuded, as “Dome C” Summer camp and “Little Dome C” , are two different sites: Danilo promised to send us  abit of description and pictures so that we can update WAP-WADA directory according to the most clear situation know.

According to GPS coordinates of Dome C, Antarctica. Latitude: -75.1000 Longitude: 123.3500  Little Dome C Field Camp (aka Epica Camp) is located at 75° 05’ 59” South, 123° 20’ 59” East on the Antarctic Plateau at about 40 km from Concordia station (WAP MNB-Ø3).

The European Project for Ice Coring in Antarctica (EPICA) was set out to provide the longest ice-core climate record yet, by drilling a core from 3,270 m thick ice at a site known as “Little Dome C” in East Antarctica.
Pic on the left show David Brunet at Little Dome C

On this site, David Brunet F4FKT, has been active the first time on Jan. 6th 2022 as FT4YM/p after having been QRV in the past weeks from Dome C Summer Camp (WAP MNB-NEW) near Concordia Station (WAP MNB-Ø3)

At the light of this great and not easy activation (David is using a dipole and 100W), a brand new WAP reference number will be given as soom as we have more details about the site ,


To be honest, we have to thank immensely  our friend Mehdi F5PFP for his great job to organize skeds with David and allow us to load a New Antarctic site on our log. Our congrats to David for his patience and determination in being  on the air  according to regular skeds!
              Pic aside show the dipole used by David at Dome C Summer camp

A bit of information about Little Dome C:

The first ice core drilling campaign of Beyond Epica-Oldest Ice is starting in Antarctica at the Little Dome C site. The aim of the project is to go back to 1.5 million years in time, by sampling and analysing the deep ice, which will reveal invaluable information on temperature and on the concentration of greenhouse gases in the past atmosphere. This project represents an unprecedented effort in paleoclimatology.

The project, is funded by the European Commission with 11 million euros and involves twelve European and non-European international research institutes and will benefit from synergies with the activities at the Italian-French Concordia Station managed by the French Polar Institute Paul-Émile Victor (IPEV) and the Italian National Antarctic Programme (PNRA) activities, including ENEA in charge for the logistics.

Whatch the Beyond EPICA official teaser

The actual campaign, at Little Dome C will last until January 2022, on an area of 10 km2, at  40 km from the Italian-French Concordia Station, on the East Antarctic plateau,  one of the most extreme places on the Earth.

QSL for FT4YM/p have to be requested direct to F5PFP

The first woman of colour to complete a solo unsupported trek to the South Pole

On: By: Gianni Varetto

Indian origin British Sikh army officer Harpreet Chandi, a 32 years old,  has become the first woman of color to complete a solo expedition to the South Pole.

Chandi began her expedition on November 7, 2021, flying to Chile and then embarking from Antarctica’s Hercules Inlet. Along the way, she hauled a sled weighing 90 kilograms (nearly 200 pounds) holding kit, fuel and food to last for roughly 45 days.

Chandi, who adopted the nickname “Polar Preet” for her blog and fundraising efforts, spent two and a half years preparing for the grueling expedition.

She underwent crevasse training in the French Alps, trekked across Iceland’s Langjökull Glacier and endured 27 days on the ice cap in Greenland — not to mention the months she spent dragging a heavy tire behind her back home in England, to simulate pulling a sled.

Preet Chandi completed the 700 mile trek in 40 days.

Read more at: British Sikh Army officer makes history with solo climb to South Pole : The Tribune India

RI6ØANT & ZS7ANF WFR (WAP MNB-12)

On: By: Gianni Varetto

After having been active from Wolf’s Fang Runway (WAP MNB-12) with the special callsign RI6ØANT (WAP-335)  issued to celebrate the 6Øth Anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty signature, RI6ØANT operated by Oleg Sakharov (ZS1ANF-UA1PBA) closed his great activityon dec.31, 2021 at the end of the celebration connected with the Antarctic Treaty.

QSL of  RI6ØANT have to be requested via RZ3EC

Starting jan. 1st 2022  , Oleg Sakharov (ZS1ANF-UA1PBA) is now active as ZS7ANF from the same location WFR in Antarctica.

Oleg operates inside of a tent with 100 W into a GP/SG-237 vertical antenna stuck in the ice, just beside the tent .

So far Oleg did operate 17, 20, 30 & 40 mts CW, but he says it’s very cold in the tent, equipment is floating  and it’s difficult to operate!

QSL of ZS7ANF have to be requested via RK1PWA or ZS1ANF
TNX Oleg Sakharov, you’re simply the best!

Princess Elizabeth Antarctic Station: More than half of all crew  caught Coronavirus

On: By: Gianni Varetto

According to a report, 16 of 25 workers at the Belgian  Princess Elizabeth Station (WAP BEL-Ø2) in Antarctica  have tested positive for COVID.

The first positive case was identified on 14 December among members of the  Team who had arrived at the facility a week earlier after travelling from South Africa. Two other members of the travelling party then tested positive. All three were evacuated on 23 December, but more workers continued to come down with COVID.

All of the team members have received two vaccine doses and none of those who have the virus are experiencing severe symptoms. The station has two emergency doctors on site, equipment to treat people who develop severe symptoms and the ability to analyse PCR tests.

All residents of the station were offered the opportunity to leave on a scheduled flight on January 12. However, they all expressed their wish to stay and continue their work.

Source: Crew at remote Antarctic polar ice station catch Covid-19 | Daily Mail Online

More at: COVID-19: Antarctica research station battling coronavirus outbreak | World News | Sky News

Happy New Year

On: By: Gianni Varetto

Another year has gone with poor propagation, just few DX on our Log and … too many troubles all around. Covid hit hard everywhere and we all went through a year of anxiety and fear.

New year is coming, let’s turn the page , be so busy loving your life that you don’t have time for hate, regret, or worry, but take a good care of you.

We hope you realize that every day is a fresh start for all of us. That every sunrise is a new chapter in our life waiting to be written….

..
Happy 2022 by WAP Staff. 

Enjoy Antarctica as much as we do!

HD9A/CE8, Punta Arenas,  Magallanes Province, Chile  WAP CHL-13

On: By: Gianni Varetto

José Vicente Jaramillo Valdivieso  (HC3TAC) has been active as HD9A/CE8  on 8 & 9 February 2014 operating from the Sub Antarctic Punta Arenas, Magallanes Province, Chile WAP CHL-13.

WAP did contact Josè (who now lives in Italy) and he confirm his past operation from there.
Hope is never lost … so Hams who need confirmation for their QSOs,  can now apply for QSL (only direct) to:

José Jaramillo Valdivieso
Via Sirtori 21,
10148  Torino (TO), Italy

TNX Josè (HC3TAC) for his availability

Christmas in Whalers Church,  Grytviken, South Georgia (WAP GBR-29)

On: By: Gianni Varetto

A post from Stefania Dimofte  on FB, bring us to the oldest Church in Antarctica,  and more precisely,  in the Sub Antarctic South Georgia Island.

“The Whalers’ Church” is a typical Norwegian timber church. It was commissioned, and largely financed, by Carl Anton Larsen and designed by his son inlaw , architect. The Church was prefabricated in Strømmen, Norway, and erected by the Station workers in their spare time. The two bells in the steeple rung out on 1913’ Christmas Eve. On the following day, Solveig Jacobsen, granddaughter of CA Larsen, was baptised by the pastor Kristen Løken.

 

December 2013 did mark the centenary of the opening of the Whalers’ Church at Grytviken Station (WAP GBR-29). A special commemorative service took place on Christmas Day 2013, with a congregation including members of Oyas Venner (Norway’s Friends of South Georgia) who arrived on the cruise ship Fram as part of a voyage to celebrate the Church’s anniversary.

 

On Dec. 26 2020, Stefania wrote: «Christmas in Whalers Church in Grytviken, South Georgia, the oldest church in Antarctica which was consecrated on Christmas Day 1913. As in old days we sang carols and we remembered those who once lived here. We remembered Sir Ernest Shackleton whose funeral took place here….»

Merry Christmas to all my friends who share the same love and interest for the White continent and its explorers!» ended up Stefania

6Ø ATS Marathon is going to end by Dec. 31st

On: By: Gianni Varetto

The  marathon dedicated to 6Ø ATS is coming to end. It was a wonderful six months activity, with many stations involved to give everybody a great chance and a nice mood in logging special callsigns.

While WAP is going to thanks all the activators for their efforts, it is good to remember  last chance to apply for Awards and Plaques expressly dedicated to this important event and to the WAP references liknked to that special callsigns

Awards are mostly free to get by mail, just folow the information at:  http://www.waponline.it/6oats-anniversary/6oats-awards/

Special wood or metal  Plaques and Cerificates are available on request  through Oleg, UA6GG/RG60ANT at www.dxtrophy.com

The first of this Awards has been already sent to the Russian operator of  RG6ØANT and to the Swiss operator of HB6ØANT.

Do not forget to look for RI6ØANT: Oleg Sakharov is actually operating from Wolf’s Fang Runway (WAP MNB-12) in Antarctica using his special callsign RI6ØANT ( WAP-335) untill dec. 31st 2021. QSL via RZ3EC.

At the expiring of that date, Oleg will continue to operate with his ZS7ANF callsign (QSL via ZS1ANF or RK1PWA)

We’re about Christmas time …

On: By: Gianni Varetto
WAP Staff wish all our friends, readers and followers  the very best wishes for  this year’s Christmas.
HF propagation  is not at his best shape  so we must listen carefully on air and the magic Christmas may bring  to everyone in Antarctica our warmest wishes.
 
Christmas it’s the one day of the year when we all act a little nicer, we smile a little easier, we cheer a little more. For a couple of hours out of the whole year, we are the people that we always hoped we would be.
 
Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, С Рождеством, Joyeux Noël, Frohe Weihnachten, क्रिसमस की बधाई , 聖誕節快樂 , Buon Natale

 Click “Auguri 2021” here below and you get our warmest  Christmas thought    Auguri-2021-by-gianni-varetto

 

Merry Christmas, Best of Season’s Greetings to you all, and your families.

God bless you.

Antarctica: Scientists discover a bacterial species with promising anti-melanoma properties

On: By: Gianni Varetto

Within an Antarctic sea squirt, scientists discover a bacterial species with promising anti-melanoma properties. ScienceDaily has secently pubblish an interesting item about a study done by Desert Research Institute:  New study brings important advances for Antarctic science and natural products chemistry
There are few places farther from your medicine cabinet than the tissues of an ascidian, or “sea squirt,” on the icy Antarctic sea floor,  but this is precisely where scientists are looking to find a new treatment for melanoma, one of the most dangerous types of skin cancer.

In a new paper that was published dec. 1st 2021 in mSphere, a research team from DRI, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), and the University of South Florida (USF) made strides toward their goal, successfully tracing a naturally-produced melanoma-fighting compound called “palmerolide A” to its source: a microbe that resides within Synoicum adareanum, a species of ascidian common to the waters of Antarctica’s Anvers Island archipelago.

Pubblished last december 1st  on   ScienceDaily: Your source for the latest research news

II6OANT (WAP-323) QSLs arrived from the printer

On: By: Gianni Varetto

Brand new QSL for the italian special event station joining the 6Ø anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty Signature’s celebration

QSLs arrived and now we’re going ahead to confirm the II6OANT (WAP-323) to the Hams who are aready requested direct cards.

The anniversary’s event will last till december 31st 2021,  so 10 more days  to work the several ones on air  and achieve the beautiful 6ØATS Diplomas or Plaques available WW.
In addition, WAP-323 is a new reference released to II6OANT and it’s valid for WAP-WACA Award as well.

QSL for II6OANT can be requested direct or via Bureau to I1HYW.

 

Enjoy Antarctica as much as we do

 

An “Igloo bar” at Concordia Station with IZ1KHY, Lt.Danilo Collino

On: By: Gianni Varetto

Thanks  to the collaboration of many volunteers, including our friend Danilo Collino IZ1KHY, the first Igloo Bar of the Antarctic Plateau,  has been created  at Concordia Station (WAP-MNB-Ø3).

Using a chainsaw, Danilo did cut the ice into blocks, which he then arrange likewise a eskimo technique and, layer by layer he completed the construction! The interior was large enough to accomodate over 6 people. At the opening party, there were 12 people inside to drink, so quite a large space!
The entrance recalls remotely the project launched by WAP,  to build a chapel at the Italian Base MZS (see … http://www.waponline.it/church-in-antarctica/)

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This  Igloo Bar just built, remind us  another great “ice sculpture” made at Concordia Station by Daniele Karlicek an italian researcher. It was the Church of Daniele’s town, Muggia near Trieste in North West Italy. (See the video at the bottom of this page).

About his staying at Concordia, Daniele wrote: Beautiful initiative, the one of building a Church in Antarctica! I did it myself, by reproducing with ice, the Dome Church of my town (Muggia, in the Province of Trieste) at Base Concordia “Dome C” during my overwintering stay on last 2010-2011 Antartic Campaign.
Daniele Kalicek is a young Italian Researcher; he works for the Department of Geosciences at the University of Trieste, specifically in the laboratory of isotopic Geochemistry.

Well,  going back to the “Igloo Bar”, the pics posted on the web have won everyone’s acclaim. WAP is proud to share some of them with our readers and followers with the compliments for all those involved … architects of the ice!

(Pic aside shows Nicolas Giraud  (IPEV) , Rocco Ascione, station Leader  at Concordia and  Danilo Collino IZ1KHY to the right).

Talking about Radio, the tests made in recent days show that our signals arrive discreetely in Concordia while on the contrary, signals from Concordia are very low, at the limit of comprehensibility. According to his last message, Danilo is expected to try again HF (20 mts SSB)  from Concordia Station over the course of this week so, four more days. Check around 15,30-16,00 UTC 14140 +/-

 

Sunday dec. 19,  he will rerturn to MZS (WAP ITA-Ø1) and from there he will be on air again.

Lt. Danilo Collino,  IZ1KHY is an expert Mountain Scout of the Italian Army at his  third mission in Antarctica .

Many thanks to Daniele Kalicek for the the video below

R/V “Polarstern”, DP0POL/MM sails to Antarctica

On: By: Gianni Varetto

Few days ago the German Research Ship Polarstern set off  from Bremerhaven for Antarctica.  DPØPOL/MM (WAP-317) has already been reported on 40 mts CW.

On Sunday evening, the “Polarstern” was at the height of Portugal in the Atlantic and set course for the Canary Islands. From there it continues south through the Atlantic to Cape Town. The next stage then leads to research projects in the Weddell Sea and adjacent waters. The current position of the “Polarstern”  can be found on a daily updated map.

The German Antarctic Station Neumayer III (WAP DEU-Ø8) , will not be reached  by the “Polarstern” until March 23, 2022. This is why the Greenland container ship “Malik Arctica” will take over supplying the German research base on the Ekström Ice Shelf this season. The new antenna system for the QO-100 ground station on Neumayer III is also on board. According to current plans, the “Malik Arctica” will reach Neumayer III on December 21; the position of the ship can also be found on a map (slide section down).

The new wintering Team and technical staff for maintenance work during the current summer season, will travel by plane via Cape Town with a stopover at the Wolf’s Fang Air Field (WAP MNB-12)  to the Neumayer III research station. From Wolf’s Fang, Oleg, ZS7ANF , should show up on air  soon . 

He has also announced the special call sign RI60ANT (WAP-335)  to commemorate “6Ø years of the Antarctic Treaty”.

TNX DL1AX  and Info AWI Bremerhaven,

When did Antarctica become a continent?

On: By: Gianni Varetto

Antarctica, the fifth-largest continent, is commonly known for penguins, massive calving ice shelves and failed exploratory expeditions.
But this frozen swath on the bottom of the world wasn’t always so isolated; it was once part of a larger supercontinent. So when did it become its own continent?

Today, Antarctica is the largest block of ice on Earth, covering more than 5.4 million square miles (14 million square kilometers). Hidden beneath the ice, the rocks of Antarctica reveal the dynamic history of the continent.

“Antarctica is a continent just like any other that has a wide variety of landscapes (mountain ranges, valleys and plains) all shaped by its geologic history,” said Libby Ives, a doctoral candidate in geosciences at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. “Much of this geologic history remains a mystery because less than 1% of the continent has rocks exposed that could help us tell this story”.

Read more at: https://www.livescience.com/when-did-antarctica-become-continent

Russia  6ØATS event , QSLs are ready

On: By: Gianni Varetto

Eugene Shelkanovtsev, RZ3EC informs the chasers that QSLs for the Russian activity at 60th Antarctic Treaty Signature’s Anniversary are now ready.

Hams wishing to get “direct QSL”  can get single callsign QSLs for each of the 10 callsigns used during the event (which will end next dec. 31st).

Pic aside shows the wonderful mix of these printed cards.

To those preferring to receive confirmation via Bureau, a cumulative callsigns card have been designed an available as well.

QSL direct could be requested to:

Eugene Shelkanovtsev, RZ3EC

P.O. Box 70
Orel 302028, Russia

TNX RZ3EC

Our Lady was prayed at MZS

On: By: Gianni Varetto

December 8, Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
Gianfranco Santovito, actually at MZS (WAP ITA-Ø1) sent  Happy Feast of the Immaculate Conception to all the Antarctics.

Gianfranco wrote: There is no church at MZS (Mario Zucchelli Station), but there is no lack of moments in which religious faith can be shared. Last night, to celebrate the Immaculate Conception, some of us went to a small “sanctuary” that has been set  on the hill behind the Base for years,  to recite an Hail Mary and an Our Father.

TNX Gianfranco Santovito and Daniele Guidi

KI7ATZ  Peter Becker Ph.D. an  Antarctic veteran

On: By: Gianni Varetto

WAP did receive a huge number of Antarctic QSLs by KI7ATZ  Peter Becker Ph.D  who has got a great experience when he was at the US Palmer Station for 5 months in 1970. Dr. Peter Becker  sent us a brief  comment of his experience down South:  «A Ham could operate on a “Station License”, then with no license. At the time,  Palmer Station (WAP USA-23) was KC4USP,  R/V HERO was KC4USN and Byrd Longwire Station (WAP USA_Ø3) was KC4USA. Notice that KC4USA ha salso been used by several other US Bases in Antarctica .

We did phone patches nightly for staff and Navy staff!  When not doing that we ran QSO’s for the popular Antarctic Station QSL seekers.

We had boxes of surplus Collins KWM 2A’s Transceivers with 1000 watt 30S-1 linear amplifiers… so when something stopped working, we just opened another unit!  We also had the USN Antenna Farm,  so we used what ever one they were not using,  in addition we were also allowed to use AFRS (Armed Forced Radio Service) bands and we spoke to friended in Okinawa and other SE Asia stations.


As a Polar Scientist, I routinely used it on Icebreakers in Polar Waters at both ends! The Palmer Trip was a joint NASA and NSF Office of Polar Programs as well as support for Dr. Steven Shabicas Doctoral work on Keyhole Limpets at Palmer.

I was active in polarscience from 1968 to 1998 and ran the Arctic Nuclear Waste Assessment the last 5 years while finishing my Ph.D. in 1995 in Physical Oceanography and then 3 more years as a Post Doc at Battelle MSL in Sequim, WA under DOE.. so many miles, many ice camps in both regions, and diving in both regions up to 1989.

TNX to KI7ATZ  Peter Becker Ph.D.

Over 100 volcanoes scattered across Antarctica

On: By: Gianni Varetto

ANTARCTICA is home to a number of volcanoes that are hidden beneath its icy surface, with some scientists suggesting that an eruption could cause global sea levels to rise.

Believe it or not, over 100 volcanoes are scattered across Antarctica. At the moment, there are only two active volcanoes in Antarctica: Mount Erebus and Deception Island.

While scientists who work in and study Antarctica say that the volcanoes are unlikely to pose any real threat anytime soon, some have suggested that their eruption could have a knock-on effect around the world.

Thanks and credit to: Antarctica volcano warning after scientists suggest eruption could cause ‘sea level rise’ | Science | News | Express.co.uk

See an interesting video about Mount Erebus one of the active volcanoes in Antarctica.  Credit  PBS Terra

118 6ØATS  Awards issued so far by the italian ARI-Sanremo

On: By: Gianni Varetto

118 are the 6ØATS  Awards issued through the end of november 2021 by the Italian ARI-Sanremo in the field of the 6Øth  Anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty Signature.

42 Basic, 39 Silver and 37 Gold  Certificates have been requested by Hams around the world and forwarded by e-mail  to them.

ARI-Sanremo ARISanremo – Associazione Radioamatori Italiani  is doing a great job in managing the Diplomas available for free.

Enter the site and clik on the 6ØATS to get the rules which are also pubblished online among all the other Certificates issued by Germany, Switzerland and Russia other then Italy.                          Click the gif aside to enter

Once having known the rules (which are really simple) click the WAP logo at the left of the main page and following the instructions, load the SES you have worked. The system will tell you which one of the three Awards you have achieved, then select the format you wish to geti t, put your e-mail and withing few minutes your Diploma will be sent !

Just remind everyone that the 6ØATS Anniversary celebration is continuing till december 31st 2021.

Australia’s Antarctic aerodrome cancelled

On: By: Gianni Varetto

The Australian government has cancelled the proposed aerodrome near Davis Sation  (WAP AUS-Ø3) in the Australian Antarctic Territory (AAT), emphasising environmental concerns but probably more because of cost and engineering difficulties. The government is likely to instead announce more remote monitoring, mapping and collation of digital information on Antarctica to bolster Australian science and our territorial claim, as recommended in a recent review of Antarctic science.

The decision to abandon the aerodrome plan means Australia is giving up an opportunity to increase its influence in Antarctic forums, boost science and expand access to the continent. That loss would be greater if China, with or without Russia, were to build on the site Australia has given up, which is one of the largest ice-free areas on the continent. Under the Antarctic Treaty, which effectively “freezes” territorial claims, Australia can’t stop other states building in the AAT.

Read more at:  https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/opportunity-lost-australia-s-antarctic-aerodrome-cancelled

ARGENTINA ANTARCTIC AWARD by DX TROPHY AWARDS GROUP

On: By: Gianni Varetto

DX TROPHY AWARDS GROUP issues a diploma dedicated to the “60th Anniversary of the Antarctic Peace Treaty” signature, called  “ARGENTINE ANTARCTIC AWARD“.

There are two kinds  of ARGENTINA ANTARCTIC AWARD available in CW, SSB, DIGI, MIX (CW/SSB), ALL (CW / SSB / DIGI) for two-way QSO’s / SWL’s with various Argentine stations locatewd below 60° South, in Antarctica, in any period of time on any bands.

1-The first one is reachable in 4 different classes of score and by several modes:: CW, SSB, DIGI, MIX (cw & ssb) , ALL(cw & ssb & digi).

BRONZE:  3 contacts , SILVER:     6 contacts,  GOLD:      9 contacts, HONOR ROLL: 10 and more.  If one station is missing, it can be replaced with a contact with RG6ØANT (WAP-321)

Application could be sent in a free form. QSLs  must be in the hands of the applicants. A scan copy will have to be submitted on request.

Awards are  made on glossy silver, size 250 x 200 mm. The cost of each plaque is: 49 $ or 43 Euro (including sending by registered).  For any question and information  drop an e-mail  to mydxtrophy@gmail.com

2-The second option is an electronic-free  ARGENTINA ANTARCTIC AWARD (as shown in the pic above)

To get it you need to send a list of at least 5 QSO’s with 5 different stations on any bands any modes. Send a free-form application: with  CALL- DATE – BAND – MODE – QTH (Base or Refuge). QSLs must be in the hands of the applicants. Sscan copy will have to be submitted on request.

For any question and information  drop an e-mail  to: mydxtrophy@gmail.com

Detailed information on both Awards are https://www.dxtrophy.com/argentina-antarctic-award

TNX Oleg Yu. Latyshev,  UA6GG/RG6ØANT

RI1ANX Traverse Stop Point, WAP MNB-13

On: By: Gianni Varetto

Also known as 78 Temporary Camp (other then  Traverse Stop Point ), WAP MNB-13,  this camp was located at 78°01’45” South, 12°32’55” East  (Locator JB61kz ) on Queen Maud Land, Antarctica.

78 Temporary Camp has been activated by the well known Antarctic veteran  Oleg Sakharov  (UA1PBA, ZS1ANF, ZS7ANF) from january 1st   to 7th  2019 while travelling with a convoy on the way from FD 83 (WAP MNB-Ø9) to  Which Away Camp (WAP MNB-11)  

Only 77 QSOs have been made  from this very rare spot in the icy Continent.

In addition, during 2019 campaign, Oleg has been active from  Wolf’s Fang Runway (WAP MNB-12)  locator JB48jm, on 27 january  and from 10 to 22 february 2019 logging 730 QSOs, while on 16 and 17 january 2019, Oleg did operate from  Novo station (WAP RUS-09) locator   JB59vg  making 94 QSO.

On 2020 & 2021 seasons Oleg has been active again as ZS7ANF from   Wolf’s Fang Runway (WAP MNB-12) ay 71° 33’ South, 08° 46’ East.

 

TNX Oleg RI1ANX/ZS7ANF for the QSOz and Nick RK1PWA for the nice and even rare QSL cards

Penguin swam from Antarctica to New Zealand, potentially by accident

On: By: Gianni Varetto

An Adélie penguin that washed up on a rocky New Zealand beach — nearly 2,000 miles (3,218 kilometers) from its home in Antarctica — last week, has been released back into the wild, experts say.

Nicknamed “Pingu” by locals, after the claymation children’s cartoon, the disoriented bird was found waddling around the beach at Birdling Flat on Nov. 10 and was swiftly taken to the Christchurch Penguin Rehabilitation for treatment, according to NBC News.

New Zealand’s Kaikoura Wildlife Hospital indicated in a Facebook post that Pingu was “underweight and dehydrated,” but that the young penguin, which rehabbers determined to be between 1 and 2 years old, was recovering strength on a diet of “fluids and fish smoothies.”

Read more at:  https://www.livescience.com/lost-adelie-penguin-new-zealand

British Sikh Army officer aims to be first woman of color to ski solo to South Pole

On: By: Gianni Varetto

The British-born Indian Sikh Army, Captain Preet Chandi, is ready to embark on her 700-mile trek to the South Pole where she will endure temperatures as low as -50C and wind speeds of up to 60mph, while pulling a 90kg sled.

Captain Preet Chandi did embark  November 7 on the long voyage to Antarctica. Once there, she hopes to become the first woman of color to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole. According to the latest UK government report  on diversity in the Armed Forces, Black, Asian and minority ethnic personnel made up 2.7% of officers in the UK Regular Armed Forces as of April 1, 2021. Only 0.1% of personnel who declared their religion were Sikh, the report said.

After graduating and juggling work as a physiotherapist with her Army Reserve commitments, Chandi decided to join the regular Army in 2012. Her military duties have taken her to Nepal and Kenya and, most recently, South Sudan, where she was deployed on a six-month United Nations peacekeeping tour.

Nothing about the expedition sounds easy.

After flying to Chile, she will be dropped at Antarctica’s Hercules Inlet. From there, Chandi will trek solo 700 miles across the ice to the pole, hauling a sled weighing 90 kilograms (nearly 200 pounds) with all her kit, fuel and food for around 45 days.

The sun will never set but temperatures could dip as low as minus 50 Celsius (minus 58 Fahrenheit) with wind chill. Her only contact with the outside world will be a daily check-in with her support team.

Chandi, who has adopted the nickname “Polar Preet” for her blog and fundraising efforts, has spent two and a half years preparing for the grueling expedition.

She’s undergone crevasse training in the French Alps, trekked across Iceland’s Langjökull Glacier and endured 27 days on the ice cap in Greenland — not to mention months spent dragging a heavy tire behind her back home in England, to simulate pulling a sled.

She said: “For this mission, I’m so grateful to have the Army’s support and allowing me to take time away from my day job.

Read more at: https://www.army.mod.uk/news-and-events/news/2021/10/army-officer-to-make-history-on-polar-expedition/

and ‘Polar Preet’: British Sikh Army officer Preet Chandi embarks on solo South Pole expedition | CNN Travel

Did you know about Westarctica’s huge micro-Nation?

On: By: Gianni Varetto

Westarctica, formally known as the Grand Duchy of Westarctica and previously known as the Protectorate of Westarctica and the Achaean Territory of Antarctica, is a micronation situated primarily in the western portion of the continent of Antarctica and including all territory south of 60°S latitude and between 90° and 150°W longitude, without exception. It also includes the previously claimed territories of Peter 1st Island (claimed by Norway) and the Balleny Islands (claimed by New Zealand) as well as the colony of Calsahara (See Colony of Calsahara – MicroWiki (micronations.wiki).

In 2001 Travis McHenry laid claim to the largest contiguous portion of the nation by filing a claimant letter with the nine world governments that have also expressed legal claims of ownership to portions of the continent (though none to the sector claimed by McHenry). The territory consists mostly of Marie Byrd Land and a large proportion of Ellsworth Land. It has no year round residents, although seasonal Research Stations are located in the region. The nation of Westarctica was founded through a loophole in the Antarctic Treaty. (Source: Westarctica – Encyclopedia Westarctica )

On November 2, the Westarctica micronation celebrates the twenty years that have passed since the day when the then 21-year-old Travis McHenry decided to found it by claiming an uninhabited territory of over one and a half million square kilometers in West Antarctica. That is five times the surface of Italy, and therefore not so much micronation, even if it is defined and defined in this way as a sovereign project of a few people not recognized by other Countries.

Westarctica micro-Nation is a place where McHenry has never been, however, and does not even intend to visit: the twentieth anniversary will in fact be celebrated by his home in the United States, from which he plans to wave the flag of his micronation, on which he has a cross. white on a blue background, with a white crown in the upper left quadrant.

In some of its features, Westarctica still continues to be a slightly goliardic micronation, as it was largely in its early years.

Read more at: Westarctica’s huge micronation – Il Post (italy24news.com)

TM6ØANT  WAP-318 “On Air”  for 6Ø ATS

On: By: Gianni Varetto

François, F8DVD, will operate TM6ØANT to commemorate the 6Øth Anniversary of Antarctic Treaty Signature.

France was one of the 12 countries who signed the Antarctic Treaty.

Twelve Countries represented by the Governments of Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, the French Republic, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, the Union of South Africa, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States of America, signed the Antarctic Treaty on 1 December 1959 in Washington. The Treaty officially entered into force on June 23, 1961.

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The picture here aside, show the France  representative present in Washington 1959 at the signature

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TM6ØANT activation will be from François QTH of Mâcon, France (JN26JH)  from 16 to 30 November 2021.   QSL via F8DVD.

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TNX François, F8DVD

EM25VER 25 years of Vernadsky Station (WAP UKR-Ø1)

On: By: Gianni Varetto

Located on the tiny island of Galindez in the Antarctic Circle, the Vernadsky Station (WAP UKR-Ø1)  is the direct successor to the British Faraday Base, which was first established as a meteorological observatory in 1947.

Today, the Vernadsky station is operated by a rotating staff of a dozen winterers. For about ten months at a time, each winterer endures extreme isolation (there isn’t a town within 1,000 nautical miles!) and sub-zero temperatures, all in the name of scientific progress. When they aren’t busy preparing for expeditions into the Antarctic wilderness, the base’s personnel work year-round to maintain the station and conduct research on everything from penguin populations to the atmospheric effects of ultraviolet radiation.

EM25VER  (WAP-312)  Special event callsign has been issued to  celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Ukrainian Antarctic station “Akademic Vernadsky” in Antarctica.

A special Award will be issue upon request . To get the free  electronic award “25 years of the Ukrainian Antarctic station “Akademic Vernadsky” only one QSO is needed  with EM25VER.

Request  has to be sent by e-mail to  Pavlo UT1KY

China’s 38th Antarctic expedition begins

On: By: Gianni Varetto

China’s research icebreaker Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, set off from Shanghai on on Friday Nov 5, marking the start of the Country’s 38th Antarctic expedition.

Hydrological, meteorological and environmental investigations in the South Pole, and monitoring of new pollutants such as microplastics and drifting garbage in the Antarctic Ocean will be carried out during this scientific expedition.

Xuelong will also carry supply and rotational staff to China’s Zhongshan Station  (WAP CHN-Ø2) and Great Wall Station (WAP CHN-Ø1) in the region.

The first batch of 154 researchers on the ship will return to China in mid-April next year.

Thanks and credit to: http://english.www.gov.cn/news/photos/202111/06/content_WS6185d2abc6d0df57f98e4940.html  and

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2021-11-06/China-s-38th-Antarctic-expedition-begins-14XOAZJU424/index.html

The WW Ham Radio community has always  searched  QSOs  with the Chinese  Research Stations in Antarctica as a friendly way  to mark the spirit of peace the Antarctic Treaty.

Several  Countries  have a Club station in their Antarctic Bases and for sure, Ham Radio is a wonderful  way to  test  ionospheric propagation  as a branch of the physical research. For us, Radioamateurs, a contact in HF (SSB or CW)  with Antarctica is always  s great goal!
… that’s  to say that … we hope, one day or another, to make HF contacts , with at least one of the Chinese scientific  Bases in Antarctica, operated by a Chinese Ham… that will be great!

Research into decarbonising Antarctic science

On: By: Gianni Varetto

A UC research project evaluating the feasibility of hydrogen production in Antarctica could help to reduce carbon emissions in the future by replacing fossil fuels with a zero-carbon alternative.

The research, in collaboration with Antarctica New Zealand and Callaghan Innovation, is looking at how hydrogen could be generated, used and stored at Scott Base (WAP NZL-Ø1) and various remote field camps to reduce the reliance on carbon-based fuels currently used for transport, cooking and heating.

Currently Antarctica New Zealand uses fossil fuels for transport to and operation of remote field camps but wants to investigate the feasibility of generating and using hydrogen as an alternative fuel. Turning excess energy from the turbines into hydrogen would help reduce emissions from burning fossil fuels and also transporting those fuels to Antarctica.

“Hydrogen is a step in the right direction,  if not the eventual answer to providing a zero-carbon alternative to fossil fuels in Antarctica.”

Read more at: https://www.miragenews.com/research-into-decarbonising-antarctic-science-664229/

Yukidori Biological Research  Hut, WAP JPN-NEW

On: By: Gianni Varetto

Japanese Yukidori Hut (69°00’30”South, 39°46’00”East) about 20 km to the South from Syowa base (WAP JPN-Ø3), it’s a site for observation and scientific measurement such as geosphere and marine life. Yukidori is Japanese for “snow petrel”.

Yukidori Biological Research  Hut  will be added  as “New Entry” on WAP –WADA Directory

Yukidori Valley situated in the middle part of Langhovde, on the East coast of Lützow-Holm Bay, Continental Antarctica, contains a prominent melt stream and two lakes.

The Biological Research Hut was constructed in 1986 near the beach at the mouth of the Valley so that there would be minimal impact on the flora, fauna, and terrain of the Area.

A typical continental fellfield ecosystem has developed in this Valley. Since 1984, the long-term monitoring program has continue dover here, in particolar, to monitor temporal and spatial changes in vegetation of mosses and lichens. To ensure adequate protection and monitoring of these ecosystems, the area of Yukitorisawa has been designated as Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA) No.141 in 2002, under the Antarctic environmental protection act.

Langhovde Glacier (69°13’ South, 39°48’ East) is a glacier at the Est side of the Langhovde Hills, flowing north to Hovde Bay on the east shore of Lutzow-Holm Bay, Antarctica. It was mapped from surveys and air photos by the Japanese Antarctic research Expedition 1957–62, and named for its proximity to the Langhovde Hills.

Read more at: 141.pdf (env.go.jp). Entry into the Area is prohibited except pedestrians with the Permit holder. No living animals and plants or microorganisms, poultry products, uncooked dried eggs, herticices nor pesticides shall be deliberately introduced into the Area. The pedestrians should avoid walking on vegetated area or disturbance to birds and natural features.

The location of the Area and its boundaries are shown on the attached map.

 

Yukidori Hut, which serves as the business base, has a generator so that electricity is available. There is also a freezer for storing the processing collected samples. There are also four beds where researchers can live while continuing their studies.

Read more at: https://www.env.go.jp/nature/nankyoku/message/articles/09.html

At the light of these evidences, Yukidori Biological Research  Hut (69°00’30” South, 39°46’00” East) at Yukidoi Valley, Queen Maud land, East Antarctica,  will enter into the WAP-WADA Directory as WAP JPN-NEW

TNX Yath Yoshikawa JG2MLI, Takumi Kondo JG3PLH and Gabry IK1NEG

The race for the 6Øth ATS Awards

On: By: Gianni Varetto

Hams around the world seem to have discovered the interest in various Awards connected with the 6Øth Anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty Signature.

Just take a look at the numbers of Awards issued by the various Countries that have join the initiative, to realize this!

Russia in the lead, followed by Germany, Italy and Switzerland.

We may ask ourself a question: Where does this desire to put an Antarctic diploma in our shack come from?

Surely from the sensitivity of the Amateur Radio population to the issues related to Peace, Scientific research, to the fact that Antarctiva is a place where weapons are banned and … last but not least, the desire of every DXer to log a QSO with the Continent that has always fascinated us, and to which,  the most exciting pages of the South Pole exploration are linked.

In this context, WAP has been protagonist for over 40 years , with its Antarctic Directories , but also withy his commitment and .. why not, with his Diplomas.

Returning to the 6Øth ATS (Antarctic Treaty Signature), ARI Sanremo  ARISanremo – Associazione Radioamatori Italiani  … who doesn’t know the wonderful city of Sanremo? … has so far issued over 100 of these Awards!

To the various OMs  of this ARI (Italian Amateur Radio Association) Group,  who deal with the management of these Diplomas (issued free of charge to the Hams WW who request them), certainly we deserve the applause and our Thanks!

VP8/SQ1SGB will be soon at Halley VI(a) Base

On: By: Gianni Varetto

WAP has just received a message from Sebastian Gleich SQ1SGB about his next involvment in Antarctica.

Seba wrote: «Like in the last two years I will be once again active from Halley VI(a) Base, WAP GBR-4Ø.

I should start around the end of November 2021 and be active untill the end of January 2022.

During this season, we should build a rombic antenna for aircraft communication (40mts) so I will use that antenna also for my radio activity as well, but before of that, I willuse my standard “Inverted Vee”. I don’t know when the rombic antenna will be set exactly»

VP8/SQ1SGB possible QRG: about 18 nov. 2021 to 31 jan. 2022 on SSB 7190 MHz.

TNX IK1NEG & SQ1SGB

IZ1KHY met F4FKT (FT4YM) at Mario Zucchelli Station (MZS) Antarctica

On: By: Gianni Varetto

Danilo Collino IZ1KHY did arrive at MZS  a week ago, among the crew of technicians , logistic s and scientists. They have re-opened the Italian Base  (WAP ITA-Ø1) which is now full of activity, with a ot of  air traffic coming from New Zealand. The  37th Italian Antarctic Expedition has now officially started.

Well, Danilo IZ1KHY and David F4FKT  (see pic aside) met each other at Mario Zucchelli Station (WAP ITA-Ø1). Great rendez vous and now let’s hope they can be on the air … propagation permitting!

Just yesterday, Mehdi, F5PFP sent a post saying that a few weeks ago, David  (now F4FKT) a local friend passed the HF amateur radio licence examination and is going to be  operating from Antarctica. He is a regular member of the French Polar Institute expeditions as multi skilled employee (carpenter-woodworker, boilemaker-welder, driver-mechanical).

I gave him the power supply, the fiber glass mast, the 20&40m wire antenna i used as FT5YJ,FT5YK,VP8DLM,CE9XX. Eric F5SIH (ex FT5ZH) provided a mono 20m mobile vertical whip and its magnetic baseplate.

*CALL SIGN:

A FTxYx licence is pending , if not issued in time, David can alternatively and legally operates as FT/F4FKT/P or IA/F4FKT/P (F4FKT in the pic aside)

We have just been informed by Mehdi,  that David F4FKT has just received his call as FT4YM so he will operate from November 2021 to February-March 2022 with his Antarctic callsign!

Possible QTH could be:

1-Qrv from Mario Zucchelli for a few days

2-Qrv from Concordia (aka Dome C) as main base

3-Qrv from Little Dome C (50km from Concordia) for a 2 weeks stay at least.

Possibly, according to how the programme evolves:

4-Qrv from Cape Prud’homme for a few days

5-Qrv from Dumont d’Urville for a few days

Danilo IZ1KHY (QSL here aside) will be also  for 1 month at Concordia Station and probably, also down there IZ1KHY & F4FKT will jointly operate from WAP MNB-Ø3.

Well, Danilo IZ1KHY and David F4FKT met each other at Mario Zucchelli Station (WAP ITA-Ø1). Great rendez vous and now let’s hope they can be on the air … propagation permitting!

Good luck to them  for 5 more months staying in Antarctica!

South Pole froze over in coldest winter on record

On: By: Gianni Varetto

Antarctica’s frigid winter temperatures are in contrast to trends in the rest of the world, which overall recorded its fourth hottest summer.  The South Pole just had its coldest winter on record.

Between April and September, a research station sitting on a high plateau in Antarctica, registered an average temperature of minus 78 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 61 degrees Celsius). That’s the coldest temperature recorded since record keeping began in 1957, and about 4.5 F (2.5 C) lower than the most recent 30-year average, according to “The Washington Post”.

The previous record for the coldest winter was minus 77 F (minus 60.6 C) in 1976, Stefano Di Battista, a journalist wrote on Twitter. The Post learned of this record through Battista, but then confirmed the information with Richard Cullather, a research scientist at NASA’s Global Modeling and Assimilation Office.

The frigid winter is likely caused by a strong polar vortex in the stratosphere, the second layer of the planet’s atmosphere from Earth’s surface, according to the Post. “Basically, the winds in the polar stratosphere have been stronger than normal, which is associated with shifting the jet stream toward the pole,” Amy Butler, an atmospheric scientist at NOAA, told the Post. “This keeps the cold air locked up over much of Antarctica.”

Scientists told the Post that the climate in Antarctica is prone to rapid change and that a frigid winter doesn’t mitigate the seriousness of climate change.
Read more at: South Pole froze over in coldest winter on record | Live Science

Hams Worldwide are following the 6ØATS event. A lot of diplomas already issued

On: By: Gianni Varetto

Hundreds of diplomas have been already requested and awarded to the Hams all over the world who are partecipating the 60th Antarctic Treaty Anniversary.

The event launched by WAP is actually followed by thousands of Radioamateurs WW. Congrats to Malcom K. Johnson VK6LC a well known DX-petinionner who is the 1st VK to achieve  both  Basic and the Trophy Antarctica Treaty Signature 60th Anniversary Award’s, issued by  the Russian Robinson Club.

Malcolm VK6LC  (RRC #176) got his diplomas on last oct. 16th 2021 for working the required numbers of SESs on CW-SSB-FT4-FT8.

Congrats  also to Volker DL8JDX, Gabry IK1NEG and hundreds more,  for having got his  Awards as well.

The Italian ARI Sanremo (60th Antarctic Treaty Signature – ARISanremo) , also involved in the 6ØATS event, has already issued nearly 100 Diplomas in the three calsses of merit: Basic, Silver and Gold.

Same for the German Awards (https://60ant.de/en/activity-award-en/ & https://60ant.de/en/award60ant-en/ ) and the Swiss Award (https://60ant.de/en/hb60ant-activity-award/).

WAP reminds the Hams that all these Awards are available on line, and they are totally free.

From the month of november and till the end ofde. 2021, other SESs will join the event and the competition will become more attractive!

Enjoy Antarctica and protect the Icy Continent as much as we do!

OQ6ØANT  from Belgium & SP6ØANT from Poland are joining the 6ØATS Event

On: By: Gianni Varetto

Belgium will also join among the several Countries WW to the ATS anniversary Celebration launched by WAP.

OQ6ØANT will be QRV starting 1 November 2021 till 31 December 2021.

OQ6ØANT  WAP-338,  QSL via ON1DX

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TNX  Ronald ” Ron ” Van Aken, (on1dx@telenet.be)

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WAP has just received from Poland, a mail send by SP3POB (sp3pob@wp.pl)

I will soon start with SP6ØANT to mark the Polish presence in the celebration of ther 6Øth Anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty Signature

WAP reference issued for  SP6ØANT is WAP-339, QSL direct or via Bureau to SP3POB

TNX Dariusz Florczyk SP3THY

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Both new entries are listed on the Special Calls table at http://www.waponline.it/6oats-anniversary/

Uruguay wish a Catholic Chapel in Antarctica

On: By: Gianni Varetto

Like a letter left in the fireplace for Santa Claus, the Archibishop of Montevideo, Cardinal Daniel Sturla (picture aside) espresses the desire that Uruguay, likewise other Latin America’s nations and the world, could have its own Catholic Chapel in Antarctica.

The existence of  a letter was revealed by the weekly  “Busqueda Magazine” and was allegedly written in september 2015 to General Claudio Romano who then chaired  the Governing Council of the Antarctic Institute of Uruguay.

The letter, begins by referring to an unspecified requested, that came to the Archibishop from some people linked to the Uruguayan Antarctic Base Artigas .

 

Artigas (WAP URY-Ø1), is a small scientific research Station founded in 1995, on the Icy Continent. Right here, the Archibishop of Montevideo would like a “Chapel intended for prayer and personal reflection” to be erecterd.

Artigas is a Base active all year round, with an allocation of 8 people in winter and 70 in summer. «We think that for our compatriots, who spend a season there , the presence of a Chapel and a place suitable for the image of our Patroness can only be of benefit» writes the Archibishop of Montevideo, Cardinal  Daniel Sturla.

For years at Artigas Base there has been an image of the Virgen de los Treinta  y tres Partroness  of Uruguay. «This avocation of the Mother of Jesus is linked to our homeland history» observed Monsignor Sturla.

«National Indipendence was proclaimed at the foot of the original image . Many patriots venerate Her and General Don Manuel Oribe, as a vote of Her, after a shipwreck, placed the golden crown on Her head with which She is honoured. Other nations present in Antarctica also have their own Chapel»

But the partiotic strings, such as religious ones and those od nationals prestige, do not seem to have mobilized the Uruguayan authorities in charge  of Antarctica, if.  until a little less than a year, after the request  was fornulated, it has not yet received an answer!

The weekly “Busqueda”, consulted in order the Deputy Minister of Defense, Jorge Menéndez, who declared that he was not aware of the petition of the head of the Uruguayan Church: «It may be that, the Antartic Institute itself considered that it was not relevant toforward it»,  he commented evasively.

Even the first recipent of the letter, Gen. Claudio Romano does not remember exactly what happend with the request. The Antarctic Institute receives many project and several of them “are not discarted”,   he justified himself, but no attention is paid if those who presented them “do not insist on showing interest”.

Also laconic was the head of the Army, Real Admiral Leonardo Alonso, who stated that although he does not oppose the idea, he does not see the need of another Chapel when nearby there is already a Catholic one belonging to Chile and another Ortodox  belonging to Russia.

«Furthermore, a Chapel means a priest and a priest would not be of much use outside the exercise of his ministry» commented the respondents between the lines.

«Two extra pairs of hands that help with daily tasks are welcome but if the priest who arrives were a person who does nothing, it would be an extra worry, an headache for the few who are there».

«In the nearby Russian Base, there are two Orthodox priests; one a carpenter, the other a plumber» points out Busqueda.

Translated from: https://www.papaboys.org/una-cappella-in-antartide-per-luruguay/

GB6ØANT by Gavin Taylor (ex VP8GAV)

On: By: Gianni Varetto

Gavin Taylor  is a well known Antarctic veteran. The Old Timers should certainly recall when  from 1990 through 1995 he was in Antarctica  working for British Antarctic Survey . At that time Gavin was signing  VP8GAV. Sure many of us still have his QSL card, kept among  the best memories of the time been!

VP8GAV was active from  Faraday Base (WAP GBR-Ø6), Fossil Bluff (WAP GBR-1Ø), Rothera Base (WAP GBR-12),  Bird Island Station (WAP GBR-23), from Stanley is the Falklands  (WAP GBR-25) ,  and  let’s  say that what we have worked 30 years ago from Antarctica,  is something that will not get back.  Now,  in the era of internet, cellphones, Whatsapp , Istagram and Facebook, the “modern” Hams are loosing the magic time when we  nights and days  spent to follow the Hams  in Antartica,  waiting when,  in their free time,  they could operate  mostly in difficult situation  to give anyone a chance to log rare spots from the Icy Continent!

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Well, now Gavin Taylor is back and will be “On the Air” in the month of december 2021 as GB6ØANT,  referenced as  WAP-337, joining the 6Ø Anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty Signature.

Don’t miss him on the air … you will work a great Antarctic Veteran!

QSL for GB6ØANT  goes via   GMØLVI

TNX Gavin GMØGAV (ex VP8GAV 1990-1995)