John (SK), formerly VK2FR and VK2ANT, was a skilled radio Ham that spoke to many people around the world including those at Antarctic Bases and research stations over the last four decades.
His daughter Aimee sent WAP some photos from her trip to Antarctica. «It was absolutely amazing and such a special pilgrimage. Aimee and her hausband Adam visited Chilean station González Videla and Argentina’s Almirante Brown. Although there wasn’t anyone based at Brown at the time, it was incredible to see the station which was also home to hundreds of Gentoo penguins. I am keen to go back again and visit South Georgia Islands next time. I was just in awe of Antarctica, what a sacred place!».

Aimee Sharpe wrote:  For as long as I can remember, I would listen to my father communicate over the radio, fascinated by the secret language of morse code as he bounced and beeped through the ionosphere until the early hours of the morning. His great love was Antarctica and it was his dream to travel there together one day. He was a proud member of the Antarctic Ham community and held several Antarctic Awards including WAP-WACA, WAP-WADA, Wireless Institute of Australia Antarctic Award as well as the United Nations Honor Roll.
After my father died suddenly in January 2021, I travelled to Antarctica in honour of him (see pic of Aimee aside). It was a sacred pilgrimage for me and an experience that irrevocably changed my life.
One of the happiest moments from the trip was landing at Almirante Brown, an Argentinian research base in the Antarctic Peninsula that is home to hundreds of Gentoo Penguins. I had a laugh to myself when I saw that the radio tower was the same size as the one that my dad built in our backyard… at least there weren’t any neighbours to annoy with this tower, and the penguins didn’t seem fazed!

The WAP Antarctic Activity Week has just begun and runs until next Sunday (18-25 February 2024). During this week, radio amateurs from around the world will be contacting the women and men who are away from their homes and families on the southernmost Continent.
-Ahead of the 21st Worldwide Antarctica Program’s Antarctic Activity Week, the Australian National Maritime Museum   received a special visit from Aimee Sharpe. She met with staff and volunteers at the museum to inspect the radios aboard our vessels and share her father’s story-  reported the Volunteers.

The Australian National Maritime Museum  is proud to have volunteer Amateur Radio Operators, who transmit and receive from the radio room of HMAS VAMPIRE (VK2VMP).
Those who are experienced radio amateurs and are interested in joining the team, please get in touch. www.sea.museum/support/volunteer. (pic on the right : Aimee Sharpe and Stirling Smith, Archeologist and Curator at the ANMM – Australian National Antarctic Museum in Sydney)

TNX Aimee Sharpe for joining us during the AAW and leaving us a great recall of our real good friend as John VK2FR was!

Beside the WAP’s Antarctic Activity Week which runs from 18th to 25th february, another important event recalls the WW Ham radio community, the so called “Dia de la Antartida Argentina” which is celebrate yearly on 22 february.

Historical reference:
“Dia de la Antartida Argentina” (Argentine Antarctic Day-Law 20,827) commemorates the inauguration, on February 22, 1904, of the Meteorological Observatory on Laurie Island, South Orkney, which would later become the Orkney Base (WAP ARG-15), a historical milestone that marked the beginning of the uninterrupted connection of Argentina in Antarctica.
Since this event, Argentina has maintained a permanent and uninterrupted presence on the Antarctic continent for 120 years.

On its “120^th Anniversary”  a “digital certificate with 5 contacts” has been issued to celebrate the event,  which will be held from February 22 to March 10, 2024.

This  Digital Certificate,  will be available for working five (5) stations of the Joint Antarctic Command.
Icebreaker ARA Almirante Irízar and the joint Antarctic bases listed below will be “On Air”  for the national and international radio amateurs (and SWL) community.

Look for the followings:
LU1ZA Orcadas Antarctic Joint Base (WAP ARG-15)
LU1ZD Gral. San Martín Antarctic Joint Base (WAP ARG-Ø8)
LU1ZG Belgrano II Antarctic Joint Base (WAP ARG-Ø6)
LU1ZI Carlini Antarctic Joint Base (WAP ARG-2Ø)
LU1ZR Petrel Antarctic Joint Base (WAP ARG-17)
LU1ZV Esperanza Antarctic Joint Base (WAP ARG-Ø4)
LU4ZS Vcom Antarctic Joint Base. Marambio (WAP ARG-21)
LU2ARM Joint Antarctic Command
LU2AIB/MM Icebreaker ARA Almirante Irízar

Date: February 22 to March 10, 2024.
Schedule: Subject to operational activities and tasks on  80, 40, 30, 20, 17, 15, 12, 10 mts
Modes: CW – SSB – FT8 – RTTY – PSK
Exchange: Only signal report (RST) is required

Task:  To obtain the certificate you must be able to contact 5 calls of the above list.
Operation:  Subject to time availability of Antarctic operators and propagation conditions.

Argentine and foreign Amateur radio stations will be able to download their QSL by entering the integrated system (QSLOG.AR) through the website www.qslog.com.ar  in the activities tab,  once the event has ended and the logs have been processed.
Hams should NOT send any logs. If you do not see your QSL/Certificate reflected, you must contact the event organizer in order to verify your QSO data.
SWLs could confirm the listening of each station, sending all the corresponding data to the email (qslantartida@fuerzas-armadas.mil.ar , lu3ia@hotmail.com)  subsequently downloading in the same way the corresponding QSL of each operator listened to.

TNX : Estado Mayor Conjunto de las Fuerzas Armada,  Comando Conjunto Antártico and LU3IA Alfredo Arcangel Amaro

Wilkins Aerodrome at 66°41’27″South, 111°31’35″East  is named after the legendary patron and pioneer of early Antarctic aviation, Sir Hubert Wilkins.

Wilkins Aerodrome is a major summer-only facility. is located approximately 70 km southeast of Casey Research Station (WAP AUS-Ø2) and serves as the Antarctic terminal for the intercontinental air service.

Situated in an area of Antarctica known as Wilkes’ Land, the aerodrome has been sited 700 metres above sea level to minimise the likelihood of melt, as the coast is relatively warm by Antarctic standards during the summer months.

The Wilkins site is approximately 70% exposed ice and 30% snow cover that is less than one metre deep. The foundation of the runway is natural glacial ice, rolled with proof rollers to ensure that the surface ice has suitable bearing strength and integrity to support the aircraft.

The runway surface is tillered by a snowgroomer to manufacture higher friction levels prior to each flight of a wheeled aircraft.

The facility operates between October and March each year. It closes for around six weeks at the height of summer, due to warmer temperatures causing sub-surface melt.

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So far, nobody has been operated Hamradio from Wilkins, which still remains unnumbered;  that’s why we hope one day or another some zealous Radio amateur can do it.

Chinese explorer and adventurer, Feng Jing, hiked to the Southern Pole of Inaccessibility (POI), which is the farthest point from all the coastlines of Antarctica.

With two assistants she reached the POI after 80 days on January 25, 2020. It is a remarkable achievement traversing over 1,800 kilometers in extreme conditions; one fascinating aspect to the trip is that there is a Lenin statue at the Pole of Inaccessibility! No one had ever reached the spot on foot before and also, very few people have ever visited this inhospitable spot.

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Have a look at the video below (start it  at min 2:09)

Pole of Inaccessibility (aka Polyus Nedostupnosti Station)

In 1958 the Soviet Union sent an expedition of scientists there, with the goal of establishing a Base Camp at 82° 06’ South, 54°58’East. Equipment and personnel were delivered by an Antarctic tractor convoy operated by the 3rd Soviet Antarctic Expedition. The station had a hut for four people, a radio shack, and an electrical hut. These buildings had been constructed on the tractors used during the traverse, serving as accommodation. On top of the camp structures,  they placed the Lenin bust. Next to the hut, an airstrip was cleared and a Li-2 aircraft landed there on 18 December 1958. The outpost was equipped with a diesel power generator and a transmitter. Pole of Inaccessibility Station performed meteorological observations from 14 to 26 December 1958.

On 26 December the outpost was vacated indefinitely. Four researchers were airlifted out, and the remaining 14 members of the party returned with the tractors. The Station was deemed to be too far from other Research Stations to allow safe permanent operation, so it was left to be used for future short-term visits only. The Pole of Inaccessibility has the world’s coldest year-round average temperature of −58.2 °C (−72.8 °F).

The camp was essentially abandoned and only a handful of people have travelled there. The camp buildings were buried by snow over the last 60 years, but incredibly Lenin is still visible and there unharmed having survived despite it all.

Read more about Pole of Inaccessibility at: The Pole Or Bust! The Loneliest (And Coldest) Lenin (rferl.org)

The 8th Soviet Antarctic Expedition visited the site on 1 February 1964 and left five days later.
The American Queen Maud Land Traverse, reached the Pole of Inaccessibility from Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station (WAP USA-21) on 27 January 1965. The crew were flown out by a Lockheed C139 Hercukes on 1 February. On 15 December 1965 a new American crew arrived by C-130 to make observations, refurbish the snow cats, and continue the Queen Maud Land Traverse, zig-zagging to the newly installed Plateau Station (WAP USA-13) where they arrived on 29 January 1966.
The 12th Soviet Antarctic Expedition visited the site in 1967.
On 19 January 2007, the British Team N2i reached the Pole of Inaccessibility using specially-designed foil kites.
On 27 December 2011, during the Antarctica Legacy Crossing, Sebastian Copeland, and partner Eric McNair-Landry, reached the Pole of Inaccessibility by foot and kite ski from Novolazarevskaya Station (WAP RUS-Ø9), on their way to completing the first partial east–west transcontinental crossing of Antarctica of over 4,100 km (2,500 mi).
The station building is surmounted by a bust of Vladimir Lenin facing Moscow. It is almost entirely buried by snow, with little more than the bust visible. 
Following a proposal by Russia to the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting, the buried building and emergent bust, along with a plaque commemorating the conquest of the Pole of Inaccessibility by Soviet Antarctic explorers in 1958, has been designated a Historic Site or Monument (HSM 4).

Speaking as a Radioamateur, I must say that it is a real shame that, for some years in Antarctica, the Hamradio culture has no longer had the importance it once did.
That several expeditions, like these ones over the last 50 years to the Pole of Inaccessibility Station, were not accompanied by radio operators to give radio amateurs from all over the world the chance to contact a place so full of history, let me say,  is truly a shame! Let’s hope that, before too long, a new expedition could operate HF from Pole of Inaccessibility Station (HSM#4)!

To all the Hams collecting Polar Ship, WAP reminds that Fragata ARA Libertad is valid for WAP Awards  as well as for Polar DX Challenge.

February 10, 11 and 12, 2024, the Argentine Ship Fragata ARA Libertad will be on air  for 3 days. It will be a chance, an opportunity not to be missed!

Within the framework of a great celebrations, the ARA Frigate Training Ship “LIBERTAD”, will moored at Mar del Plata Naval Base to honor the 150th Anniversary of the founding of the City of Mar del Plata.
LU8AEU will be on air CW, SSB, FT8, FM on 10,20,40, and 2 meters at 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m LU time  which correspond at 14:30 through 24:00 GMT. A Memorial QSL will be issued to a single contact

LU8AEU will be operated by volunteer members of the Auxiliary Radio Amateur Service of the Navy, from the Mar del Plata Naval Base.

Argentine and Foreign Amateur Radio Stations will be able to download their QSL by entering the QSLOG.AR integrated system, through the website www.qslog.com.ar  , once the event has ended and the Logs have been processed.

In case you do not see your QSL coming up, you must contact the event organizer in order to verify your QSO data.

The SWL stations will be able to confirm the listening of each station, sending all the corresponding data to the email (arasaraeventos@gmail.com ) subsequently downloading in the same way the corresponding QSL of each operator listened to.

TNX Armada Argentina and the Friends of Fragata Libertad.

An interesting article  published at: https://polarjournal.ch/en/2024/01/31/meet-the-czech-scientists-who-convinced-their-government-to-go-to-antarctica/?fbclid=IwAR3oKt7Ny65_Hs8NENd4R-10MJgaub-HbZ398NfRtyBobNotHLV_OQLPDAE remind us that one of the rare Antarctic Station “Gregor Mendel” (WAP CZE-NEW), has been recently reopened . The main part of the expedition team has left on 24 January for the Mendel Polar Station on James Ross Island, where they  will arrive around Febr. 9th to spend two months there.

Actually the Czech team consists of 24 participants; nine researchers (two of them women, one of them from Charles University), one doctor, four technicians and a two-member film crew consisting of Petr Horký, a traveller and documentary filmmaker, as well as an experienced polar explorer who has made expeditions to the three poles of the Earth (North, South and the Cold Pole), and Jan Šimánek, a cameraman. They will be shooting a unique documentary about the Czech Antarctic Research Programme for Czech Television.

It’s a great news for the “Antarctic Chasers”; let’s hope  it could be possible that in a near future some Ham radio operation could be performed down there as well. The station is the property of Masaryk University in Brno and was named after the father of modern genetics, the meteorologist Gregor Johann Mendel

Some members of the expedition are at the Eco Nelson Base (WAP CZE-Ø1) on Nelson Island. This smaller expedition will last at Echo Nelson six weeks in total, of which,  almost four weeks will be spent working on King George Island and Nelson Island. At the end of this part of the expedition, two participants will travel to the Ukrainian station Vernadsky (WAP UKR-Ø1) on Galindez Island to continue working on the joint Czech-Ukrainian research project, and will return to Europe in early May.
TNX Český antarktický výzkumný program

Mendel Polar Station is a “New One” for Radioamateurs WW, who are collecting contacts in HF with the Antarctic Bases.  WAP did suggest the Český antarktický výzkumný program that it will be great if Mendel Polar Station coul be “On Air” for the 1st time. Testing HF propagation from Antarctica is not only an exercise, but something of science!
They are good and clever guys, let’s hope that our appeal will be heard!

See the interesting video at: Czech researchers depart for new Antarctic station | Radio Prague International

On 23 January 1954, Argentine Navy personnel did inaugurate the Cabo Primavera Refuge (now Capitán Cobbett Naval Refuge) on a rocky promontory on Cape Primavera. Over many years this building was used by Argentine exploration expeditions to the area  to collect Meteorology  and Biology  data.

On March 3, 1977, the Antarctic Command of the Argentine Army did inaugurate Base Primavera  (see picture below)   following the works to the Refuge and the construction of new buildings.
The Summer Capitán Cobbett Naval Refuge that serves Base Primavera, (WAP ARG-Ø9),    is a small building that currently has the function of a laboratory; it has two rooms and a bathroom, and has supplies for three men for three months. The refuge was renovated, in March 2017, by a task force of the transport ship ARA Bahia San Blas

A bit of history
The Naval Refuge  “Cabo Primavera” has been established 70 years ago, (January 23, 1954), within the Argentine Antarctic sector, Costa Danco, Tierra de San Martín.
Located in Cierva Cove, in the Antarctic Peninsula at 64°9’17” South, 60°54’21” West, the  Navy Refuge currently called “Capitán Cobbett”, in memory of the Navy Captain Enrique Cobbett, who lost his life in the shipwreck of the frigate Buenos Aires off Cape Horn, in August 1826. It happened when he was preparing to reinforce Admiral Brown’s squadron in combat with the imperial forces of Brazil.

At the light of the last information collected,  Capitan Cobbett Refuge (aka Cabo Primavera Refuge) will be add to the WAP-WADA Directory as , in the waiting of a possible activation!

Eric F5SIH is re-joining the Antarctic Activity Week after years of non-presence. Eric will operate as TM1ANT, WAP-Ø37,  in tandem with Tom F4HWS
Eric wrote: «I’ will be active again with TM1ANT during the next 21st AAW. Just got the license. Two operators, Eric F5SIH ans Tom F4HWS» .
73, TM1ANT, F5SIH Eric.

Eric sent  us a preview of the new QSL  of TM1ANT expressly designed for the 2024’s AAW .

The image on the QSL,  comes  from a photograph taken by David Brunet F4FKT/FT4YM when he was in Antarctica. It’s a tribute and at the same time, a recognition of the emotions that David FT4YM was able to give us during his missions (2021-2023) from some rare Bases and remote sites  following the scientific French-Italian expeditions on the Antarctic plateau.
TNX Eric F5SIH & Tom F4HWS, welcome on board!

We just remind the Worldwide Ham radio operators  the date of the 21st AAW which will be held from 18th through the 25th of February 2024 (Check: https://www.waponline.it/antarctic-activity-week/aaw-2024/ ) . Don’t forget to join the event,  it will be our small contribution to the conservation of Antarctica as a land of study and peace.

The Oceanographic Vessel (B/O) Sarmiento de Gamboa is a multidisciplinary research vessel with a global non-polar scope. Its instrumentation and laboratories allow it to carry out studies of global ocean circulation, marine biodiversity, fishery resources and climate change; It is also used to perform work in geology, marine geophysics, hydrography, physical and chemical oceanography, marine biology, resource estimation (fisheries), ocean monitoring with remotely operated vehicles (ROVs, AUVs, submarines, etc.), and deployment of underwater observatories (OBSEA, GEOSTAR)

The research carried out there is fundamentally directed and financed by the National Plan for R+D+i.

It also has the most advanced technologies in terms of navigation systems (for example, dynamic positioning) and is the first Spanish oceanographic vessel that can work with high-depth ROVs (Remote Operated Vehicles) and AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle).

The B/O Sarmiento de Gamboa belongs to the CSIC and is based in Vigo, where it was launched in 2006. The Marine Technology Unit (UTM) of the CSIC is responsible for the management of the vessel as well as the maintenance of the scientific equipment and provides the technical staff to carry out the oceanographic campaigns.

One day or another On Air? ….

Kottas camp (74°12′ South, 9°44′ West) is a German Field Camp at Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica has been add to WAP-WADA Directory .

The German contribution to the ITASE programme was carried out during 5 years (2004-2008) , mainly in the frame of the EPICA pre-site survey in Dronning Maud land, along the traverse route from Neumayer Station  across Ritscherflya and Kottasberge, Heimefronfjella to Amindsen.
The traverse were carried out by Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Bremenhaven (AWI).

Stake readings for accumulation studies across Ekstromsen and Ritcherflya was carried out each field seson. The 460km long stake line comprises approximately 950 stakes . It starts 10 km South of Neumayes  at 70°41.83’ South, 8°26’24” West  and ends after the crossing of Kottasberge at 74° 30’00” South, 9°13,09’ West.

Source: Snowpack properties in Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica, compared to Envisat ASAR and Scatterometer measurements | EPIC (awi.de)

Attached map shows the Kottas-traverse route, connecting the German Base Neumayer (70°39′ South, 08°15′ West) and Kottas camp (74°12′ South, 9°44′ West) as well as snow pit and firn core sampling sites.

The Belgian Antarctic Expedition of 1897–1899 was the first expedition to winter in the Antarctic region. Led by Adrien de Gerlache de Gomery, it was the first Belgian Antarctic expedition and is considered the first expedition of the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. Among its members were Frederick Cook and Roald Amundsen, explorers who would later attempt the respective conquests of the North and South Poles.

To celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the return of S/Y Belgica to Antwerp (5 november 1899) a special post card and stamps have been issued.

TNX Dr. Eddy de Busschere  of the Belgian Polar Expedition Society for sending us one of this special card.

S/Y Belgica did remain trapped  in the ice for a long Antarctic winter.
The crew  disliked the penguin and seal meat that had been stored and initially tried to ban its consumption, but Signs of scurvy  began to show in some of the men. Gerlache and Captain Lecointe became so ill they wrote their wills. Two of the crew started to show signs of mental illness and morale in general was extremely poor. Lieutenant Danco fell ill from a heart condition and died on 5 June. Danco Island was named in his honor.
Cook and Amundsen took command as Gerlache and Lecointe were unable to fulfill their roles due to scurvy. The true cause of scurvy as a deficiency of Vitamin C was not discovered until the 1920s, but Cook was convinced that raw meat was a possible cure for scurvy due to his experiences with Robert Peary in the Arctic. He retrieved the frozen penguin and seal meat and insisted that each man eat some each day. Even Gerlache began to eat the meat and slowly the men recovered their health. It is now known that raw meat and organs contain a small amount of Vitamin C.
Several months of hardship followed. Even as spring and summer arrived, attempts to free the ship and its crew from the grip of the ice failed. By January 1899, Belgica was still trapped in ice about seven feet (2.1 m) thick and the possibility of another winter in the ice seemed real. Open water was visible about half a mile away and Cook suggested that trenches be cut to the open water to allow Belgica to escape the ice. The weakened crew used the explosive “tonite” and various tools to create the channel. Finally, on 15 February 1899, they managed to start slowly down the channel they had cleared during the weeks before. It took them nearly a month to cover seven miles (11 km), and on 14 March, they cleared the ice. The expedition returned to Antwerp on 5 November 1899. Though the circumstances were severe, the expedition had nevertheless managed to collect scientific data, including a full year of meteorological observations.

Edgeworth David  Fied Camp (aka Edgeworth David Base) was established as a summer camp in 1986. Located at  66°14’59” South, 100°36’12” East , in the Northen Bunger Hills, Edgeworth David summer Base lies about 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) from WNW of  Polish Antoni Dobrowolski Station (WAP POL-NEW),  approximately 440 km west of Casey Research Station (WAP AUS-Ø2)and 85 km inland from the Shackleton Ice Shelf in the Bunger Hills region, Wilkes Land.

Edgeworth David is a summer-only Station, a research outpost named after Sir Edgeworth David, opened in 1986 by the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), it is temporary visited during the summer season and used for Geological, Geophysical, Geomorphological and Biological research.

Edgeworth David Field Camp has been “On Air” on last dec. 25 & 26 2023 signing VKØAI, operated by  N E “Norbert” Trupp (VK5MQ).
Norbert was deployed to Edgeworth David;  weather delayed the return flight to Casey Station, allowing Norbert a brief period of operating on the 25th and 26th December 2023. Daytime propogation was poor and bands only opened in the evening, with all contacts FT8. Camp power is supplied by generator while operating times and satellite comminications are limited.

At the light of this evidence and a copy of QSL provided by Olivier F6EPN (Spratley Woody), we have given Edgeworth David Field Camp a reference as WAP AUS-1Ø.

The “New Refrence” will appear on next WAP-WADA and WAP-WADA  Directories (Release of June 2024).
TNX Olivier F6EPN

The twenty third edition (release 1.43) of WAP WACA & WADA Directories are available to download.  From the main page of WAP website,  just go to the “Download Section” and select WAP-WACA & WAP-WADA Directories  and feel free to save them both on your PC.

WACA Directory contains a list of more than 4362 callsigns used in Antarctica & Sub Antarctic territories since 1945.

WADA Directory lists 1005 Bases, Camps, Huts, Refuges and  Stations in Antarctica since 1945.

Also a new release of the Antarctic & Peri Antarctic Lighthouses has been issued on January 1st 2024 and it’s available to download as well; just go to the Lighthouse page.

Enjoy Antarctica!

73 from WAP Staff

Few days ago, the Czech members of the Antarctic Expedition to Nelson Island were in Punta Arenas, Chile, waiting for a Brazilian ship to take them to their destination. That  morning the host of Studio 6, expedition leader Václav Pavel, described in a live broadcast,  what awaits them on Nelson Island.

Dr. Vaška Pavel from the Czech Antarctic Foundation, remind the followers  that yesterday,  the  Team: 8 members (1 woman and 7 men, including 3 scientists from the Faculty of Science of Masaryk University and 2 from the Ukrainian National Program) boarded the Polar Ship Ary Rongel of the Brazilian Antarctic Program, which will set sail this afternoon Jan 2nd 2024, heading Antarctica.

If you missed the report,  from expedition leader Václav Pavel , you can watch it by clicking on the link, here below:

Expedice na antarktickou stanici Eco-Nelson – 29. prosinec 2023 – Studio 6 | Česká televize (ceskatelevize.cz)

While wishing them the best numbers for the new year, WAP wish the Team a good trip and a good stay down there… Weare radioamateurs and our real wish is that … some days, berore too long   Echo Nelson Base WAP CZE-Ø1 and Johan Gregor Mendel Station (WAP CZE-NEW) could be heard  on air!

A video from Mendel Station  (WAP CZE-NEW) show  how is the Base … perhaps the only thing missed is a radio operator to put on Ham bands, this rare and never worked  Czech Antarctic Base!

Our good friend Volker, DL8JDX is currently embarked on M/S Hamburg heading Antarctica. They will be in the Antarctic until Jan. 29, 2024… unfortunately, no radio from him!
On the way on, Volker has already seen the stations Teniente Camara (WAP ARG-16), Gabriel de Castilla (WAP ESP-Ø2), Deception (WAP GBR-Ø2) and Almirante Brown (WAP ARG-Ø2). On the up and down cruise, the ship stopped at the Falkland Islands as well. 

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Over there, Volker had the opportunity to meet Bob, VP8LP and his wife Janet VP8AIB in Stanley, Falkland Islands; they are currently active with the special call VP8FLY from the  Stanley Airport.

The outdoor shack in the picture aside, is that one at the Airport of Stanley.

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TNX Volker DL8JDX

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WAP wish the Antarctic enthusiasts and the Ham radio community all over the World,  together with the personnel of Mario Zuchelli Station (WAP ITA-Ø1) and Concordia Station (WAP MNB-Ø3) a very Merry Christmas, and our great hope of PEACE and brotherhood in the world.  Pics and credit  #PNRA e #IPEV

On the cusp of the COP28 climate talks, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visited Antarctica  and stopped at Chilean Base P.te Eduardo Frei (WAP CHL-Ø5), after previously saying the world must slash carbon emissions to prevent this delicate environment from melting.

Warming air and ocean temperatures are causing Antarctic ice to melt. The frozen continent plays a significant role in regulating Earth’s climate because it reflects sunlight away and drives major ocean currents.

For years, scientists and environmentalists have kept an eye on the West Antarctic Ice Sheet as an important indicator of global warming.

A study published in Nature Climate Change last month said warming has increased to the point that the ice sheet will now experience “unavoidable” melting regardless of how much the world reduces emissions of planet-warming gases like carbon dioxide.
The study’s lead author, Kaitlin Naughten, estimated that melting ice in Antarctica’s most at-risk areas could raise global sea levels by about 1.8 meters (5.9 feet) over the next few centuries.

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Read more at: Antarctica – latest news, breaking stories and comment

Thanks and Credit to: The Indipendent,   https://www.independent.co.uk

Ernest Krenkel was an explorer, radio operator, doctor of geographical sciences (1938), and Hero of the Soviet Union (1938). He held several Ameteur Radio callsigns: EU2EQ, U3AA, UA3AA, RAEM and RAEM/MM.  Born in Balystok, Poland 24 december 1903, Ernest Kernkel passes away in Moscow, on 8 december 1971.

Krenkel was in Antarctica, in 1968, the honored scientist shook off the antiquity for the last time and led another Polar expedition to Antarctica. 

Further, on February 6, 1969, on the Antarctic island of King George, where the Bellingshausen station is located, a meeting was held with the President of Chile, Eduard Frey, who visited the real one standing on this site. During the sail, Krenkel went on the air on shortwave amateur radio bands under the call sign RAEM/MM.

RAEM-120 Award
This year Russian Union of Radio Amateurs celebrates a significant date – 120 years since the birth of the outstanding polar explorer Ernst Teodorovich Krenkel (RAEM) the first Polar radio operator (RAEM). Date of this challenge is from  December 15 to 25, 2023.Here below, the list of call signs that will work at the E.T. Krenkel Memorial.
R120RAEM – Novosibirsk region
R120A – Moscow city
R120D – Moscow region
R120I – Tomsk region
R120K – Arkhangelsk region
R120M – Stavropol region
R120N – Nizhny Novgorod region
R120R – Tambov region
R120S – Sverdlovsk region
R120T – Tyumen region
R120W – Irkutsk region
R120X – Samara region

Check:  R120I – Callsign Lookup by QRZ Ham Radio for more info

In the book “The life of an engineer” written by, Zubkov E.V. , and on  “RAEM/MM is my callsign”, WAP picked up some paragraphs to get more info about Ernest Krenkel, Arctic & Antarctic veteran explorer:
See: raem009 (antentop.org)

On November 15, 1968,  R/V Professor Zubov,  set off on its first Antarctic voyage, carrying 250 participants of the 14th SAE (Soviet Antarctic Expedition). The scientific-research vessel Professor Zubov was bound for the shores of Antarctica to relieve its staff of winterers found there, and also for oceanographic research. Ernest Krenkel was one of the expedition members and the ship’s crew head. Krenkel was wintering at Molodezhnaya Station where the second batch of polar explorers from the fourteenth SAE was located, heading to Mirny, Vostok and Bellingshausen.

During the voyage on the R/V Zubov,  Krenkel, kept a diary. He was a gifted narrator, graphic, with apt language in which were no trite sentences or clumsy wording. Ernst Teodorovich appears before us as a very ordinary man who with boyish ardour is concerned with his daily watch on the air for radio amateurs.

In 1933, Krenkel sailed as a radio operator on the icebreaker Sibiryakov. For the first time in the history of navigation, the ship then passed the Northern Sea Route (from Murmansk to the Bering Strait) in one summer season.  

In 1934 RAEM was the callsign of the I/B Cheluskin smashed by     ice  in the North polar sea. I was the chief operatore –wrote krenkel- Since then RAEM is my personal amateur callsign.

In 1968, Krenkel was 65 years old. On the flight he was on, he was perceived as an old man. Gray-haired, tall, gaunt, bony. People treated him with respect and not because he was the flight commander, but they sympathized with him in a purely human way. His manner was conducive to that: accessibility, restrained benevolence. A person who has spent a long time in the closed, close collectives of polar stations cannot be arrogant and inaccessible. Here aside the Soviet postage stamp dedicated to Ernst Krenkel, a Soviet Arctic explorer, doctor of geographical sciences (1938), and Hero of the Soviet Union (1938).
WAP hopes the great family of the WW Radio Amateurs will join this important HF event!

TNX DX Trophy (Oleg UA6GG)

WAP Antarctic Bulletin nr. 301 relaesed today December 8th 2023 is available on line with last info and reported activity from Antarctica.
Bull 301 is downloadable at: https://www.waponline.it/wap-antarctic-bulletins/

The new graphic design of the bulletin was edited by Max IK1GPG and Betty IK1QFM and looks  modern in style, easy to read with nice relate pictures of QSLs.
Enjoy hunting Antarctic Stations and if/when possible, remind the Polar Institutes in your Countries  to promote Hamradio in Antarctica … as we get used in the past decades . Years ago,  almost all of the Scientific sites, Bases, Camps, Huts, Polar Ships in Antarctica were active on HF.
Year after year we are loosing many wondeful opportunity to lig rare Antarctic sites.  It could be that, personnel stationed in the Antarctic Bases had become a little lazy every year or that, the radio is no longer that intelligent distinctive element of connection between Antarctica and the outside world!

Grunehogna Mountain Base and Sarie Marais Field Base , at 72°Ø2’ØØ”South  Ø2°48’ØØ”West, 1047 mts of altitude, seems to be two different Antarctic Bases but really, it’s the same site which holds two names. (pic on the Left, shows Grunehogna, while pic on the Right sows Sarie Marais).

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Located 250km inland from the main SANAE IV Base (WAP ZAF-Ø3), this site that bears two names,  is a South Africa summer base which is used in support of Geological parties.

There is not much information about the Sarie Marais or Grunehogna Base on the web, but there is a NZ page Grunehogna Mountain Base, 250km inland from SANAE | Antarctica NZ  and a South Africa’s page  Sarie Marais Summer Station being raised (sun.ac.za) that shows a couple of pictures of this forgotten Base (which looks almost the same even if the pics are taken from different angles)  listed and numbered on WAP-WADA Directory as WAP ZAF-Ø4.

A QSL provided recently by Bob, K4MZU clearly show and documents a QSO dated  14 January 1992 with ZS5GMT Graham Tilbury who was operating ZS7ANT on 10 mts from Grunehogna Mountain Base as the operator detailed with a note on the rear side of the QSL card.

ZS5GMT, Graham Tilbury is currently resident in the US, his callsign is KK4FRD

Thanks o Bob K4MZU and to Olivier F6EPN (aka  Spratley Woody)  we have got some more documentation  covering this Base with two names  and who knows … after 30 years, maybe someone could try to activate it again … one day or another!

Humans didn’t discover Antarctica until 1820.

Once discovered, several nations sought to claim the continent as their own. As tension increased, some countries began working on a peaceful solution.

On December 1st, 1959 in Washington, D.C. delegates from 12 Countries (Argentina, Australia, Belgium, France, Chile, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, , Soviet Union, United Kingdom and United States), came together to sign the Antarctic Treaty which is considered to be one of the most successful achievements of the international community.

Antarctica Day , along with Midwinter Day, it is one of Antarctica’s two principal holidays.

Since then,  on December 1st, Antarctica Day recognizes the anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty  which established that Antarctica is and will remain a nature reserve dedicated to peace and science.

 It’s also a day to learn more about this cold and barren Continent, surf the pages of WAP website and enjoy Antarctica as much as we do.

Two Chinese icebreaker research vessels and a cargo ship set sail last November  1^st for the Antarctic with more than 460 personnel on board to help complete construction of China’s fifth Research Station on the world’s southernmost continent, which could be finished next year.

China’s biggest flotilla of research vessels deployed to the Antarctic will focus on building the station on the rocky, windswept Inexpressible Island near the Ross Sea, a deep Southern Ocean bay named after a 19th century British explorer.

Work on the first Chinese station in the Pacific sector, began in 2018. It will be used to conduct research on the region’s environment, state television reported.

The two icebreakers, Xuelong 1 and Xuelong 2, the name means “Snow Dragon” in Chinese, set sail from Shanghai with mostly personnel and logistics supplies on board.

The cargo ship “Tianhui”, or “Divine Blessings”( TIAN HUI, General Cargo Ship – Details and current position – IMO 9774599 – VesselFinder) , taking construction material for the station, set off from the eastern port of Zhangjiagang.

The five-month mission will include a survey on the impact of climate change.

The two icebreakers will also conduct environmental surveys in the Prydez Bay, the Astronaut Sea in southeast Antarctic, and in the Ross Sea and Amundsen Sea in the west.

This China’s mission  to the Antarctic, will also cooperate with countries including the United States, Britain, and Russia on logistics supply, state media said.

Source: China’s Biggest Antarctic Fleet Sets Off To Build Fifth Research Station (ndtv.com)

Don Conlee WX5DC is a professor at A&M Atmospheric Sciences in Texas.

Don, along with class members,   is actually on board of  M/V Ocean Victory sailing  to the South Shetland Islands/Antarctica .

He has sent us  a message  and some pics:  -We finally got everything together and had a few FT8 contacts on 20m last night!   We were using WX4/WX5DC.  I hope that we will be able to try SSB tonight between 00Z and 03Z, ~14.243.   The student on the attached pic  is Katherine Forson KT5KMF.  
We may operate briefly before dinner and hopefully for the sweet spot of  0-3Z.    Winds have died down and snow stopped, so fingers crossed-. 

We’ll keep our ears open … hopefully we can catch  Don someway!

Trace the ship voyage at: Ship OCEAN VICTORY (Passenger Ship) Registered in Bahamas – Vessel details, Current position and Voyage information – IMO 9868869, MMSI 311000868, Call Sign C6ED9 | AIS Marine Traffic

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TNX Don WX5DC &  Katherine KT5KMF 

February  2024 marks the  21^st edition of the Antarctic Activity Week  (AAW) launched by WAP (Worldwide Antarctic Program).  The 2024 edition will last from Febr. 18 till Feb.25.
Invitation, is  addressed  to all Radio Amateurs (OMs & SWLs) around the world, to the Clubs and Organizations as well as other important groups, Radio Clubs and  individual operators who would like to join and share with us, this initiative.

Hams can use Special Prefixes recalling Antarctica as for example II6ANT, IR8ANT, IR2ANT, TM…ANT, DL…ANT, UA…South Pole, ZX…ANT, KK…ANT, VK….AAW, VX…WAP  and so on. No rules have been made but all the special Prefix will be given a related WAP-reference number which can be used to achieve the WAP Awards.
Nobody will have to give progressive numbers, nothing at all, just working and log,  as DX stile. In other words, any kind of Special  Prefixes recalling Antarctica someway can join the event.

As known, the main purpose of the A.A.W. is to increase worldwide interest around Antarctic Continent and its related  matters,  with the aim of staying close to the researchers and personnel  who are spending their time away from home and families,  studying the Antarctic life and its secrets. Additional purpose is  to share what  Nations and Organizations are doing to protect this still non contaminated corner of the world, to share a message of peace WW.

Again our intention is to draw the attention to the Antarctic Continent;  AAW is the unique event WW where Hams wish to celebrate and improve Worldwide interest around it.
To any new Special Callsign joining the AAW will be given a related WAP Reference number, while the stations that have participated in previous years,  can use the WAP reference already assigned.

Check the AAW page, https://www.waponline.it/antarctic-activity-week/aaw-2024/  to get informed …  Join the event and enjoy it!

All stations will qualify for WAP awards:  https://www.waponline.it/wap-awards/. Just surf the WAP website to get all the information eventually needed.

The Captain Pieter J. Lenie Base (WAP USA-12)  is an Antarctic summer base operated by the United States located at Copacabana Beach, Admiralty Bay (King George Island). About two kilometers northwest of this base, is the Polish Research Station Arctowski (WAP POL-Ø1).

Pieter J. Lenie Base, also known as Copa (short for Copacabana), consists of three small buildings at the foot of Rescuers Hills, near Liano Point. The field station is located at 62° 10′ South, 58° 28′ West at Antarctic Special Protected Area (ASPA) 128. It was originally set up in 1978 as a refuge Hut, and was substantially upgraded and formally named for Pieter J. Lenie (captain of the American Antarctic research ship R/V Hero) in 1985.

Originally established for the long-term study of Pygoscelis penguins that nest nearby. Scientific research done at the Base is focused on population and diet monitoring of the Adèlie penguin and Gentoo penguin colonies on the beach, as well as second-hand monitoring of Krill populations in the adjacent waters

Pieter J. Lenie Base is a real rare one fot many Antarctic chasers… who knows …  maybe, shortly  someone from the Polish  Arctowski Station,  could be there and activate it … let’s keep our finger crossed!

The new building of the Henryk Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station, will become operational in 2023. Two years earlier, as part of the tests, the structure will be assembled in Poland

«If everything goes according to plan, scientists will start using the new building in 2023»  says Deputy Administrative Director at the Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics PAS, Agnieszka Kruszewska, who add: « The station is a facility of this institution»

Henryk Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station (WAP POL-Ø1) located at 62°09’45” South,  58°27’45” West  is one of about 40 all-year stations in that part of the world. It is located in the southern hemisphere, in the South Shetland archipelago, on King George Island.

It started operating in 1977. When the main building of the station was originally built, it was several meters from the sea; now, at high water levels, that distance is less than a meter and for this reason the building is threatened with destruction. In addition, the outdated infrastructure of the station is worn out after many years of use in polar conditions. That is why for several years scientists have been seeking funds for the new building and its facilities.

The design of the new station was prepared in 2015 by Kuryłowicz & Associates. In November 2018, the Ministry of Science announced that it would provide a designated purpose to modernize the station`s infrastructure and build a new main building. Its layout will resemble a three-pointed star. In the heart of the station there will be a common space where residents will spend time.

The new main building of the station will accommodate up to 40 people who will be able to stay there all year. She adds that the working, living and technical service conditions will certainly improve.

The new building will be located 100 meters from the shoreline, on a stable surface. Geological analyses were carried out before choosing the location.

Read more at: The new Polish Antarctic station will become operational in 2023 | Science in Poland

The Islas Malvinas Refuge, originally Antonio Moro, is an Antarctic Refuge located  at 200 m a.s.l. at 63°25′ South, 56°58′ West, at Nunatak Nobby, Tabarin Peninsula, Bahía Esperanza .
It was inaugurated on August 20, 1955. It’s a  metal cabin 2 m x 2 m x 2 m x 3 m with provisions for 4 people for 15 days’ worth of food, fuel, gas and a first aid kit.

The original name of the shelter was a tribute to Antonio Moro (1906-1979), an italian immigrant who participated in the founding of San Martin Base (WAP ARG-Ø8) in 1951 and who built shelters in the area of the Esperanza Base (WAP ARG-Ø4)  in 1954, including the one that would bear his name​. It was renamed to its current name Refugio Islas Malvinas on 26 August 1971 and rebuilt in 1988.

Refugio Islas Malvinas (WAP ARG-New) is one of the 18 shelters that are under the responsibility of the Esperanza base, which is responsible for maintenance and care. It is administered by the Argentine Army.

The shelter square is located on a rocky promontory. From there there are views of the nearby Buenos Aires Glacier  (used for small plane descents), Mount Flora, and the Weddell Sea. In 1986 it was proposed that small contingents of tourists visit the refuge from the Esperanza Base.

WAP hopes that some days Refugio Islas Malvinas (WAP ARG-New)  will be shown up on the air … it’s a shame to know that it is visited regularly  and nobody thinks to activate it on HF.

TNX Gabry IK1NEG

Next Sunday,  october 29,  LU4ZS will be on air from  2 pm to 10 pm utc on 10, 20 and 40 meters SSB.
A commemorative digital QSL will be issued for this event .

October 29, marks the fifty-fourth anniversary (1969-2023) of the birthday of Marambio Joint Antarctic Base (WAP ARG-21). The Base owes its name to Gustavo Argentino Marambio, pioneer of Argentine aviation over the Antarctic sector. It was founded on October 29, 1969, and remains active throughout the year with a permanent population. ​

For this reason, the Marambio Base station LU4ZS, on the same Sunday, will put on the air a commemorative digital QSL that can be accessed by Argentine and foreign radio amateurs as well as SWL listeners from around the world.

The operation will be in SSB between 14:00 and 22:00 UTC on the 10, 20 and 40 meter bands, Contact information can be sent using the LU4ZS page on QRZ.com. A commemorative digital QSL onfirmation will be given in retourn.

Marambio Joint Antarctic Base (WAP ARG-21) is the main scientific station with permanent Argentine military support. The Base is under the Joint Antarctic Command and is located on Seymour Island (aka Marambio Island) on the Weddell Sea  at 64°14′ South, 56°38′ West, within the sector claimed by Argentina under the name of Antarctica Argentina.
TNX Carlos LU7DSY

Last mid september 2023, a patrol from the Joint Antarctic Base Belgrano II (WAP ARG-Ø6) carried out a reconnaissance of the march route between the Belgrano 2 Base and  the Sargento Roque Cisterna Refuge in the Little Wood Nunatak at 77°52’ South, 24°19’ West.
Once there, the group of Argentine Antarcticians have worked to install a VHF repeater. Argentines use a number of Refuges and Huts that serve a similar purpose to mountain refuges. They keep provisions in them constantly, repair them, and when  the need arises for scientific research, small groups go to them and get to work. It is a very economical and valuable plan, and it’s another indication of the splendid work that the Argentines do in Antarctica.

In general, these small buildings are wooden cabins with food, beds, fuel (gas and naphtha), dog food, bathrooms and first aid kit.

Dependent on the Belgrano II Base (WAP ARG-Ø6)  Refuge Sargento Roque Cisterna (WAP ARG-NEW) has been repaired in the 2016-2017 campaign and it was also part of the inspection plan 2021-2022

WAP hopes the next time another patrol going to visit the Refuge down there,  a radio operator could join together!  It would be very nice  to put in our Hamradio log a QSO from this brand “New One” Refuge .
Worldwide Ham radio are passionate about Antarctica. Having a chance to work a  New Antarctic Refuge, will be a priceless experience!

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Thanks to: Comando Conjunto Antartico (COCOANTAR) Argentina

Antarctica, this remote and mysterious Continent, arouses the curiosity of many people. If you’ve ever considered working there, you’ve probably wondered what the pay is for working in Antarctica. What follows, highlight  the different job opportunities on this Continent. To give a more accurate idea of salaries in Antarctica, here are some examples of compensation for different types of jobs:

Scientists & Researchers
Scientists can earn between €40,000 and €120,000 per year, depending on their area of research and level of expertise. Entry-level researchers or PhD students can expect a lower salary than senior researchers.

Technical & Logistics Staff
The salary for technical and logistics jobs in Antarctica usually ranges between €30,000 and €80,000 per year. Engineers, for example, can earn between €50,000 and €70,000 per year, while a mechanic or electrician can earn an annual salary of between €35,000 and €60,000.

Restaurant Jobs
Catering staff can expect an annual salary of between €20,000 and €45,000 in Antarctica. An experienced cook can earn up to €40,000 per year, while a waiter can earn a lower salary, around €25,000 per year.

To find job openings in Antarctica, it is recommended to check the websites of the organizations that run research bases on the continent. These organizations include:

• The French Polar Institute, which manages French Stations in Antarctica and regularly offers jobs and internships
• The British Antarctic Survey, which recruits for British bases in Antarctica
• The National Science Foundation, which manages U.S. stations in Antarctica

It is also possible to find job offers from private companies that specialize in organizing trips and expeditions to Antarctica.

Read more at: Working in Antarctica: the salary on the ice continent – French Polar Team (french-polar-team.fr)

The Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH) invites public and private institutions, organizations, research centers, educational establishments, among other entities, to serve as ambassadors of Antarctic knowledge, promoting the celebration of  “Antarctica Month 2023” in their communities. around November 6, Chilean Antarctic Day.

In this very special framework, INACH invites everyone to generate activities to spread the knowledge and appreciation of Antarctica everywhere. Knowing is the first step to appreciate and protect.

INACH wants to generate a synergy that allows to make visible the work of those who are bringing the White Continent closer to the citizens. To be part of the Antarctic Month program, INACH asks whose wishing to join, to complete the web form available at: https://forms.gle/fQYszAYG3tcjN82B7  . The maximum deadline is October 26 of this year.

This program of activities will be scattered on all platforms of the Chilean Antarctic Institute and on social media.

TNX INACH (Instituto Antarctico Chileno)

The first historic activation from the facilities of LRA 36 Radio National “Arcangel San Gabriel” at the Esperanza Antarctic Base (WAP ARG-Ø4) began on Monday, October 9th, with the Special Call L36Z.

Amateur Radio activities,will be carried out  with the purpose of contribute to spreading the presence and operation of the only Antarcticbroadcasting radio station.

The operation is in charge  of Prof. Juan C. Benavente, LU8DBS (LU8DBS/Z), who is located at Esperanza Base, coordinating the renovation and improvement tasks of LRA36, also operator of LU1ZV and now, with the special prefix L36Z, mostly 20 and 40 meters bands, SSB and FT8. QSL through LoTW, QRZ.COM. (pic aside)

The activation of L36Z is sponsored by the Radio Argentina Abroad Service (RAE), the “Uniendo Voces” project of the National University of Quilmes (UNQ), and has the special collaboration of the Radio Club Grupo DX Bahía Blanca, LU3DXG.

LRA 36,  Radio National “Arcángel Sas Gabriel”, is located at 63º 23′ South and 56º 59′ West, in the “Sargento Cabral” blockhouse at Esperanza Base, to the northern end of the Antarctic Peninsula. In front of the bay is the Antarctic Strait, and the Base is at the foot of Mount Flora, an important paleontological site. It is the only shortwave station that Argentina has in Antarctica, and transmits 15,476 KHz. Since this year, transmissions cover 12 months.

LRA 36 went on the air for the first time on October 20, 1979: at that time on  6,030 KHz, belonging to the Radio Nacional network, linked to the Radio Argentina Exterior service (RAE), whose director is Adrián Korol, LU1CQM.

Another milestone was the first Argentine Antarctic Radio Bulletin (RANTAR), which has been broadcast on LRA 36 and on Radio Amateur bands, since March 2023.

TNX Carlos Almirón LU7DSY

Congrats to Philippe Laurent F6FHO for the Top HR WAP WACA and WAP-WADA ceramic plates just issued.
It’s a sign of years of continue Antarctic hunting and we know how much passion (and loss of sleep…) is necessary to achieve such a prestogious aknowledgement!

These are handcrafted ceramic plates made by a local artisan workshop in the city of Mondovì (Italy).
WAP is happy to recognize the great goal, to the DXers who, after years of intense activity and search for rare stations on the Antarctic continent, can boast such prestigious results.
To Philippe F6FHO our best wish to continue his great DX hunting

Another sad news among the Antarctic chasers and Ham radio community. Prof. Carlo Raso, IK5IWU passed away last week at the age of 82.
Carlo, IK5IWU, was graduated in University of Rome, Faculty of Architecture. Master in “History of Art”. Teacher in “Ernesto Cairoli” High School in Varese (Italy), where he teached History of Art.

Keen DXer, Carlo has been the soul  and the organizator  of several Antarctic Activity Weeks mostly done at the Italian Air Force Bases. We must remember: II2AMI (WAP-2Ø), IO2MET (WAP-23), II2EFA (WAP-132) II5AM (WAP16Ø), IIØMETEO (WAP-19Ø).

We  really will miss him, a great friend and ardent Antarctic enthusiast

Here a brief comment by Ing. Gianluigi Prospero Ferrara IZ8EWB-KA2BZS:

«One of my dearest friends, Prof. Carlo Raso IK5IWU, flew into the sky.

With Carlo we did share many experiences in the aeronautical field, the last one was at the Pratica di Mare Military Air Base where we witnessed the non-destructive tests on the MB-339X and C-130JX experimental aircraft, ending with a launch of the sounding balloon at the AM Weather Station, hosted by Lt. Col. Massimo Morico.

Carlo was a teacher who inspired many young people, an exemplary father and a dear friend.

A true gentle giant.  Hello Carlo. R.I.P.»

TNX IZ8EWB

Another  Ham radio friend, Antarctic veteran has flown on heaven.
With sadness we must report the passing of Neil Conant N8BPR/KC4  last September 18, 2023, at the age of 86.

He was chief communications operator and supervisor at KC4AAA – South Pole Station (WAP USA-21) in support of the United States Antarctic Program. Neil spent a total of 15 austral summers at the pole from 1984–2001 and three summers were at Siple Station (WAP USA-24) in the 1980’s.

Bob Hines K4MZU wrote: «I know that  Neil was respected and loved. We will always remember him on the radio for many years to come. Conant Valley located between Duncan Bluff and Communication Heights in the southern part of the Darwin Mountains in Antarctica,  was named after Neil, a genuine veteran of the ice ».

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The pics attached show  QSL’s and a photo with Neil and Nikolai (UA3YH/KC4- R1ANM) when Nick visited South Pole Station.

Thanks to Les K03G/KC4 who worked with Neil for his updates.

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TNX K4MZU

Get to know the first Guatemalan Polar Institute in the city of Huehuetenango that has a museum called Polarium. Discover all the details of this wonderful destination so we can get to know it.

It is the first National museum that aims to present in a dynamic and interactive way how id the life in Antarctica. Polarium is a space created by Huehuetec scientist Ricardo Molina who traveled to  Antarctica in 2013 and was amazed by its beauty.
(Read more at: Ricardo Molina, el investigador guatemalteco que realiza proyecto en la Antártida (guatemala.com)

Upon entering this Polar Institute you will be able to find two large areas. The first is the museum area called Polarium, a destination where you can see unique scenarios with landscapes and animals that are characteristic of Antarctica.

In addition, you will find different infographics, informative videos, models, 3D figures, unique photographs and much more.

The second area is the Polar Laboratory, where scientific reports and experiments are carried out.

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Read more at: The Land of Young People (elpaisdelosjovenes.com)

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WAP and the entire Ham Radio world are anxious to see a Guatemalan expedition to Antarctica with Hams to put a “New One” on air!

More than 100 Russian Radio Amateurs are joining  a very  important event in the city of Orel.

Several of the best well known Russian callsign, those who we have on our logs since many years now are sitting up there. The conference celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the foundation of Russian Robinson Club has been inaugurated yesterday Friday afternoon  (RU local time) Sept 22^nd.

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UA9OBA Yuri Zaruba (Senior President),  RZ3EC Eugene Shelkanovtsev (Vice President) and  RA3NAN Sergey Morozov (Vice President) greeted the  Hams present and began the work of the conference which is still going on.
(Picture aside: L to R: RA3NAN, UA9OBA, RZ3EC)
Tomorrow a gala banquet will close the celebration. Unfortunately Valery Sushkov RW3GW the actual RRC President,  could not attend the event as he is busy in preparing a big project on bigfoot Yeti in Udmurtia.

Gianni, I1HYW on behalf of WAP (Worldwide Antarctic Program)  sent a video message with congratulation to the Russian Robinson club for the 30 decades  of continuous DX work  including several expeditions in Antarctica and in the Arctic as well as many rare islands all over the world!

The video was shown Friday at the opening ceremony.

To everyone involved,  our best Congratulation, We hope to see RRC soon on the air again from some rare spots maybe in the Arctic or Antarctica as they have accustomed us for many years!

Would anyone like to send a postcard from the penguin post office in Antarctica?

As part of the 80th birthday of Port Lockroy Base (WAP GBR-Ø1) and the 30th anniversary of the charity,  we’re offering the opportunity to send a limited edition postcard with a personalised message from Antarctica.
You can send postcard to yourself or a loved one and support the roof repair at the same time. Simply complete the form  at the bottom of the page of the link below, make your donation of £20 and the Antarctic team will do the rest.

They need to raise over £50,000 to enable the conservation efforts this year. You can play a part in Antarctica by sending your postcard, making a donation or sharing this story with your friends. Thank you.

Read more about sending  a postcard from Antarctica at: https://shop.ukaht.org/members/basket/guestcheckoutpostcard

The  20th W.A.P.  Meeting “Worldwide Antarctic Program”, together with the  22nd Diploma Castelli d’Italia e della Provincia di Cuneo”  and the 14th I.F.F.A. Meeting “Italian Flora Fauna Award” took place on Sunday 17th September in Northen Italy on the hills of the City of Mondovì.

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About a hundred Radio amateurs from different  Italian regions and some European countries met to discuss radio and all the activities connected to it.

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During the morning of Sunday 17 September one of the very important reports was presented by the Technical Award Manager of the Worldwide Antarctic Program, Massimo Balsamo IK1GPG, who addressed the problems inherent to long-distance radio  contacts with the “White Continent” and the respective and interesting Antarctic Diplomas WAP-WACA and WAP-WADA, known as they are difficult to reach.

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These long distance contacts (called DX) attract and are followed in particular by a good percentage of Radio Amateurs who can boast expertise and operational capacity as well as photographic archives and first-rate news on a global level.

The Australian expeditioner requiring urgent medical care has been airlifted in a “complex operation” from the Casey Research Station (WAP AUS-Ø2) in Antarctica to the icebreaker RSV Nuyina.

After breaking through sea ice, the Nuyina was able to reach a location near the Petersen Bank, about 144 kilometres from the research station, on Sunday, Sept.3rd.

“It’s the earliest we’ve ever gone to an Antarctic station,  just a day or two after the official end of winter,” Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) acting general manager of operations Robb Clifton said.

The Nuyina is expected to arrive back in Hobart this week, depending on Southern Ocean weather conditions.

The ship first embarked on the rescue mission last week, travelling nearly 3,500 kilometres from Hobart.

Read more at: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-09-04/antarctic-expeditioner-medical-evacuation-from-casey-station/102812494?fbclid=IwAR0LpxKZiivbSLWlQLLFThKzwnrY0i7ZJD8T26sUuxNoRI3AU0xe6ooUTwg

Thanks and credit: ABC.net and AAD

Another sad news!

Pierre D. Tromp, ZS1HF, passed away on September 4 at the age of 61.

Pierre has been active from  Gough Island Station  (WAP ZAF-Ø5) at 40° South, 9° West,  and  from the Old and New Marion Island Base (WAP ZAF-Ø6)  46° South, 37° East  in the Southern Indian Ocean  (See pic below; on theleft the Old Marion Base, on the  right,  the new one)

It was the time when amateur radio fashion was to use microphone  or CW key exchanging  RST and greetings and for us, radio veterans, that contacts were warm QSOs as opposed to the cold pressing of keys on a PC keyboard which i twill make for us an FT8 contact.

Pierre was a great operator  and he was able to manage hours of pileup in a professional way. His voice was unmistakable  and we still keep a good memory of him as well as his great activities as  ZS8M (Marion Base)  and ZD9M (Gough Station).

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WAP together with Antarctic enthusiasts  and followers, express their most sincere condolences to the family.
R.I.P.

Australia has launched an urgent operation to rescue a researcher with a “developing medical condition” from the remote Casey Research  Station (WAP AUS-Ø2) in Antarctica (picture aside).

The icebreaker RSV Nuyina left from Tasmania last week, the Australian Antarctic Program (AAP) said. It is travelling thousands of miles to reach the Research Station after an air rescue was ruled out due to harsh conditions. The AAP said the researcher, an Australian, needs specialist treatment but did not name the condition.

Casey research station is a journey of 2,139 miles (3,443km) from Hobart in Tasmania and one of three permanent Antarctic stations run by the AAP

The,  has a top speed of 16 knots, or around 18 miles an hour, meaning a journey of several days. It is understood that an evacuation by air was not possible; the nearby  (WAP AUS-Ø5) Wilkins  Station’s aerodrome near Casey has an ice runway but is often unusable during the harsh winter.

Read more at: Australia launches mission to rescue Antarctic researcher – BBC News

Thanks and credit to: BBC News.

Antarctic Heritage Trust has named twenty-two young explorers from across the country to embark on the trip of a lifetime. Explorers aged 18-30 will join the ninth Inspiring Explorers Expedition^™, which is travelling to South Georgia Island.

Located in the remote South Atlantic Ocean, South Georgia Island has a reputation for the greatest density of wildlife on earth. It’s home to king penguins, fur seals, and 50 percent of the world’s southern elephant seals.

Not only is it the largest expedition yet, but it’ll also include the first Kiwi attempt of Mount Worsley in recognition of Kiwi explorer Frank Worsley, the mountain’s namesake.

In addition to the climbing team, each Inspiring Explorer will take part in an outreach project working in groups across topics such as climate change, education, history and science.

Read more at: Young Kiwi explorers announced for largest ever Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ | Antarctic Heritage Trust (nzaht.org)

Smyley Island is an Antarctic island lying off the Antarctic Peninsula at coordinates (72°55′South, 78°0′West). The island is 61 km (38 mi) long and from 13 to 34 km (8 to 21 mi) wide and  lies about 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) north of Case Island and the island connects to the Stange Ice Shelf. Smyley island is one of the 27 islands of Palmer Land, Antarctica and  is separated from Alexander Island by the Ronne Entrance.

In 1939–1941 Smyley Island was first identified as a peninsula of mainland Antarctica by the United States Antarctic Service and was named Cape Smyley. In 1968 it was identified as an island on a U.S. Geological Survey map. The island is named after Captain William H. Smyley, the American master of the sealing vessel Ohio during 1841–42

A 497,  a site on fast ice near Scorseby Head, on the northern shore of the island, has been designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International because it supports a breeding colony of some 6,000 emperor penguins, based on 2009 satellite imagery.

A catastrophic die-off of emperor penguin chicks has been observed in the Antarctic, with up to 10,000 young birds estimated to have been killed. The event, in late 2022, occurred in the west of the continent in an area fronting on to the Bellingshausen Sea.

The sea-ice underneath the chicks melted and broke apart before they could develop the waterproof feathers needed to swim in the ocean. The birds most likely drowned or froze to death.

Dr Peter Fretwell, from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), said the wipeout was a harbinger of things to come. The scientists tracked five colonies in the Bellingshausen Sea sector – at Rothschild Island, Verdi Inlet, Smyley Island (picture above), Bryan Peninsula and Pfrogner Point.

Read more at: Climate change: Thousands of penguins die in Antarctic ice breakup – BBC News

Inexpressible Island is a small rocky island in Terra Nova Bay on the Ross Sea.

The  attached Map of the Victoria Land coast show at the bottom, the location of Inexpressible Island very close o the Italian MZS Station (WAP ITA-Ø1)

Inexpressible Island is most notable for being where the “Northern party” of Scott’s 1910-1913 expedition had to endure an enforced winter. Their ship the Terra Nova could not pick them up as planned in February 1912 due to particularly heavy pack ice.

The six men passed a particularly miserable winter with just four weeks worth of rations which were supplemented by killing penguins or seals that they found though these were few and far between .

They dug an ice cave and built a rock shelter, though suffered greatly from frostbite, hunger and dysentery. They gave the name “Inexpressible Island” in recognition of how awful the place and time they spent there was.

They remained on Inexpressible Island until the last day of September 1912 when they set off on the 200 miles journey to Hut Point arriving on November the 5th despite great illness, discomfort and a lack of supplies.
The location of the ice cave on Inexpressible Island is a Category 1 site as classified by the Antarctic Heritage Trust and receives protection under the Antarctic Treaty.

China is building his 5th Antarctic Station just on Inexpressible island

Picture above show the Cairn and sign marking site of “Campbell’s Igloo” on Inexpressible Island. In January 1912 six men of Scott’s ‘Terra Nova’ expedition, led by Lt Victor Campbell RN, were dropped off on this small island with the aim of exploring some of the coast of Victoria Land for a few weeks.