Agosto 2026 – W.A.P.

2026 Australian Antarctic Festival by the Mawson’s Huts Foundation

On: 13 Agosto 2026 By: Gianni Varetto

The Mawson’s Huts Foundation is excited to announce that the full festival program is now live!

https://www.mawsons-huts.org.au/2026-festival-program/

From 20–23 August, Hobart will once again transform into Australia’s Antarctic gateway with four days of inspiring talks, immersive experiences, family activities, films, exhibitions, live entertainment and unique Antarctic-themed events across the city.

Whether you’re passionate about Antarctic history, science, exploration, wildlife or simply looking for a fantastic day out, there’s something for everyone.

Explore interactive displays, meet Antarctic organizations and discover the latest in polar science, conservation and exploration, step onto the ice through immersive virtual reality experiences presented by the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust and New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust.

Enjoy a unique Antarctic-inspired tasting and storytelling experience at Lark Cellar Door and the Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum, enjoy a full day of free family entertainment, activities and Antarctic fun around the Mawson Place precinct.

Experience Brooke Street Pier’s popular Twilight Market with an Antarctic twist, featuring food, drinks, entertainment and artisan stalls, sail into the Heroic Era aboard Hobart’s iconic tall ship on the River Derwent.

Discover Antarctic-inspired food, drinks and treats at participating venues across Hobart. Make a weekend of it ….

In partnership with the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), the Mawson’s Huts Foundation (https://www.mawsons-huts.org.au/) has funded and organized 14 major conservation expeditions to Cape Denison. Teams work in grueling -20°C conditions and ferocious gale-force winds to clear internal ice and repair wood damaged by over a century of extreme blizzards.

TNX Mawson’s Huts Foundation

Scott Base (WAP NZL-Ø1) redevelopment

On: 9 Agosto 20269 Agosto 2026 By: Gianni Varetto

The Scott Base redevelopment, with the signing of the main construction contract with LT McGuinness Ltd is an exciting step towards creating a modern, resilient Antarctic research station that will support science, operations and New Zealand’s presence in Antarctica for decades to come.

Cabinet approved the reset redevelopment programme Detailed Business Case in May 2026 and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Finance authorised the project to proceed into delivery earlier in July.

“Our continuous presence and scientific programme in Antarctica are fundamental to New Zealand’s interests. Approval to Deliver and the construction contract marks the successful completion of the reset of a major public infrastructure project. And it begins the next generation in the Scott Base legacy.” said Antarctica New Zealand chair Leon Grice

The Scott Base redevelopment will deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose Antarctic research station, including new accommodation and communal facilities, upgraded science and operational spaces, and critical infrastructure improvements.

Capacity will increase from the current 5,000m2 to approx. 6,500m2, including a new Base Services Building (over 3,000m2); refurbishment of the Hillary Field Centre (an additional 400m2); replacement of ageing infrastructure (water, wastewater and power); with an enclosed elevated link connecting new and existing facilities.

The redevelopment also includes a major wind farm upgrade and battery storage system, significantly increasing renewable energy generation, resilience and grid stability for both Scott Base (WAP NZL-Ø1) and neighbouring McMurdo Station (WAP USA-22).

Professor Hendrikx said the redevelopment remained one of New Zealand’s most strategically important investments in science and infrastructure.

“Scott Base underpins New Zealand’s permanent presence in Antarctica, enables world-class science and supports our obligations under the Antarctic Treaty System. This redevelopment ensures New Zealand can continue to undertake internationally significant science from Scott Base while providing modern, resilient facilities capable of supporting Antarctic operations for decades to come.”

Construction will proceed over successive Antarctic summer seasons, reflecting the unique logistics and approximately 100-day annual construction window available on Ross Island. The coming season will see drilling and completion of piles undertaken, along with shipment of materials needed for the 2027/28 season. Practical completion remains scheduled for 2030.

TNX: Antarctica New Zealand

Antarctic winter temperature soar to record

On: 3 Agosto 20263 Agosto 2026 By: Gianni Varetto

On June 6, temperatures at Argentina’s Esperanza Station (WAP ARG-Ø4) on the Trinity Peninsula reached 15.4°C (59.7°F), setting a new winter temperature record for Antarctica. During what should be the continent’s coldest season, temperatures soared to more than 20°C above average, with daily highs remaining above freezing for three consecutive weeks.

In the depths of Antarctic winter, a record 15.4°C (59.7°F) was recorded at Esperanza Station, more than 20°C above average for a season normally defined by deep freeze.At the same time, an area of sea ice roughly the size of France was missing from Antarctica’s west coast. During the austral winter, Antarctica should be rebuilding the ice, stability, and resilience it relies on for the year ahead. Instead, that foundation is weakening in real time. Temperatures in the Antarctic reached a high of 15.4C on 6 June. The data was logged by the Argentinian Esperanza base on the Trinity peninsula

On the other hand, the high-altitude Research Station, Concordia (WAP MNB-Ø3), logged a low of minus 119.4 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 84.1 degrees Celsius) on July 18, according to data from the Station.

Concordia is located in the interior of the Antarctic continent, which is currently in the dead of winter with no sunlight. Temperatures at the station regularly fall below minus 112 F (minus 80 C) this time of year ‪— so the new reading isn’t unprecedented, but it’s still significant.