M/V Vasiliy Golovnin did reach Bharati Station in Antarctica

According to NCPOR the 38th Indian Antarctic Research Expedition  will use the Icebreaker  “Vasiliy Golovnin” for supply the Indian Scientific Bases in the Icy Continent.  FESCO Transportation Group signed a contract with the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India) for 2019 Antarctic Season.

By the terms of the contract, FESCO icebreaker ship “Vasiliy Golovnin” is to deliver general cargo, food products, fuel to the Indian Antarctic stations Bharati and Maitri. NCPOR scientists are joining  to this expedition aboard FESCO vessel. The ship  did start its Antarctic voyage, under the command of Captain Iksan Yusupov, at the port of Cape Town last  January 26th  with members of  the 38th IAE led by Dr Shailendra Saini.

The involvement of  M/V Vasiliy Golovnin in Antarctica  will last for three months.

Few days ago the icebreaker did reach  Bharati Station (WAP IND-Ø4). As far as WAP know, there aren’t  Ham radio operators among the Indian Team this year!

India’s scientists and personnel did celebrate the 2019’s Republic Day at Maitri (WAP IND-Ø3) last Jan. 27 and on at Bharati Station (WAP IND.Ø4) on last Jan. 28.

Turkey is ready for its new Base in Antarctica

A Turkish expedition team, departed for Antarctica to set up a temporary scientific research base, arrived in the world’s coldest continent on Monday Feb. 4.

This year’s project, supported by the Turkish Presidency, Ministry of Industry and Technology and Istanbul Technical University Polar Research Center as well as eight other Turkish universities, will carry out scientific studies over 30 days. With this  third expedition, Turkey looks to become a “consultant country,” in the new term of the Antarctic Treaty System and continue scientific studies at its own base

It is not clear where Turkey is going to set its own Base; some sources indicate Robert Island as a possible site, where in 2018, 28 Turkish researchers built the country’s first campsite.

Turkey also sent 12 scientists to the research bases of different countries, including Poland, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria and Chili, in 2017 and 2018. As the feasibility study for a permanent Turkish Research Base in Antarctica continues, a temporary base will be built during the current Turkish expedition that kicked off earlier this week.

Whatch a short video and read more  on both of the two websites below:

https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/vgc/foto-galeri/0

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/vg/video-gallery/turkish-team-arrives-in-antarctica-for-polar-research#

Hut Hill, Macquarie a brand new WAP AUS-Ø9 Ref.

Macca Station Communications Tech, Norbert Trupp VK5MQ, is the Ham radio operator actually at Macquarie (WAP AUS-Ø8). He spends some of his spare time working other Hams worldwide operating as VKØAI from the shack set on Hut Hill, facing the East coast’s sea just in opposite site of the main building’s station of Macquarie.

Let’s not forget that Macquarie Island is rated in the top 10 of  “Most wanted” locations in the Ham world.

Using “Squid pole antenna” set outside the Ham Shack on Hut Hill it is reported that, so far, he logged nearly 1500 contacts worldwide.

Hut Hill, 54°29’57” South, 158°56’24” East is still a non WAP referenced site on the “Section 2 of the Sub-Antarctic Territories list” of WAP-WADA Directory.

Following the activity of Norbert as VKØAI, at the light of the evidence posted by himself on  http://www.antarctica.gov.au/living-and-working/stations/macquarie-island/this-week-at-macquarie-island/2019/this-week-at-macquarie-island-25-january-2019

 

A brand new WAP reference AUS-Ø9 has been issued.

Norbert, will remain in site till the end of March 2019

Antarctic Base Belgrano II (WAP ARG-Ø6), Happy Anniversary

BaseBelgrano II  was founded on February 5, 1979, to replace the Belgrano I (WAP ARG-Ø5). Subsequently, a third base, Belgrano III (WAP ARG-Ø7), was added, which was in operation from 1980 to 1984 when it was deactivated and evacuated on January 14, 1984,  due to the glaciological composition endangering personnel and equipment.

The only one of the three Bases that is still in operation is the Belgrano II (AP ARG-Ø6).

 

At present, after the shut down of Base Belgrano I on Jan.1980, after the deactivation of Base Belgrano III on Jan.1984, Belgrano II remains the Southernmost of the permanent bases of the Argentine Republic.

 

 

 

Be careful Belgrano I, II or III have not to be confused with the “Puerto Belgrano Naval Base” (BNPB)  (see the QSL hereby shown) which is the main base of the Armada Argentina; “Puerto Belgrano” is located to the South of the Province of Buenos Aires, in the city of Punta Alta,  24 km to the city of Bahía Blanca.

Vostok Station WAP RUS-13

Alexey  Turkeev, RD1AV is the  Season team leader  at Vostok  Station (WAP RUS-13). He is active in his spare time since last December 2018 and will be there until the end of February 2019 as RI1ANV , sometimes in tandem with Alex (Alexander Solodov, RX3ABI) signing  RI1ANM. They operate SSB, CW and FT8

 

RI1ANV QSL via  RN1ON (log is online at RI1ANV page on QRZ.com)

 

RI1ANM QSL via RX3ABI. QSLs should be available after Alex will be back home at June 2019

Redonda Island WAP ARG-23

Redonda Island 54° 51′ 49″South,  68° 28′ 54″ West,  is a small island territory at the mouth of Lapataia Bay, belonging to the Ushuaia Department of the Province of Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and the South Atlantic Islands in the southern tip of Argentina.

 

It is surrounded by the waters of the inter-oceanic pass called the Beagle Channel, in the Pacific Ocean. It has an area of about 50 hectares. Its maximum length is 1022 mts and its maximum width is 840 mts.

On the island, more than 100 years old, the prisoners built  a large structure used as Hut residence of which, ruins still remain in site. Actually,  a small detachment of the Naval Prefecture hosts 3 person and the site is equipped  with a kitchen, dining room, two rooms and a radio room that serves to communicate with all ships and boats that navigate the area.

 

 

As per WAP Directory, Redonda Island is incorporate on the Sub Antarctic Territory, reference  WAP ARG-23

Great opportunities at the 16th Antarctic Activity Week

While waiting the start of the 16th AAW, next febr. 16th, just few comments on the new entries.

EM16UAP, Ukrainian Antarctic Program (WAP 295) is a  special call sign on the occasion of the start beginning of the work at the Ukrainian Antarctic Station Academik Vernadsky (WAP UKR-Ø1), which began its activities in Antarctica on February 6, 1996 and now is joining the 16th  International Antarctic Week (AAW). QSL via UT1KY

An Award of the National Antarctic Center is available to Hams that make contact  with the special station EM16UAP. The Diploma can be requested by e-mail with a log extract of QSOs to the Award secretary: ut1ky@ukr.net

 

Another  ”New Entry”  in the 16th AAW is Sebastian Gleich SQ1SGB who has got his AAW callsign as SPØANT (WAP-298) and will join the International Antarctic Activity Week. QSL via SQ1SGB.

 

To everyone, get ready,  two weeks from now, then the 16th AAW will be on the air

Arctowski Station: What is the wooden building next to the Shag Point lighthouse?

Continuing our studies on the peculiarities,  or simply the curiosities enclosed in the perimeters of the Antarctic Research Bases , we came across a wooden building near the lighthouse of Arctowski  Station (Pic aside).

The Polish Station in Antarctica has a lighthouse on the rock at Shag Point (62°09′28″ South,  58°27′56″ West) that provides navigational aid in Admiralty Bay. Its construction started in December 1977 and the lighthouse was operational on March 16th, 1978.

Recently, when browsing the web, we discovered very close the Rock that surmounts the lighthouse,  a wood building. What is that, we asked?

In some websites it is called “Chapel” , in other websites it is called “Tourist and souvenir shop”, but what is the truth?

We put a question to our great friend Sebastien Gleich  SQ1SGB, who kindly explains the story that now,  we are happy to share:

Seba wrote: – Although it may seems a chapel, that house  was a “Turist house”! Upon being established, its location was barely a dozen meters from the sea. Now, during high tide, it is less than a meter away. That little house,  was build in 1998 from wood waste after the general rebuild of the Station. The main builders was Zubek brothers and  Suszczewski, originator and chief builder of Arctowski.
We experienced that, the sea rises about  1meter shore per year….

 

 

 

During the 2016 Antarctic campaign,   storm waves touched the house. Warsaw (Command Center) decided to demolish the house!
That year, it was one of the tasks in my expedition. I and couple friends took on the work to move it near the Station, so to rescue it from demolish. We did rise the complete building on round pieces of wood, then we slid them on huge sleigh, after having destroyed a couple of rocks by hammer because the  road was too narrow (photo here in the Left). We did relocate the little house near the main station buildings (photo below to the Right).

This operation lasted for a week … but we saved it!

We have to be grateful to Seba SQ1SGB; thanks to him,  now we know  little more about that building that looked like a Chapel!

 

TNX SQ1SGB

 

“Chapel of the snows” at McMurdo, and old post card from Antarctica

WikipediA , the free Encyclopedia says: The majority of Catholic Antarctic sites exist due to the Argentine and Chilean presence on the Continent. The Worldwide Antarctic Program proposes building a Catholic chapel at MZS, Terra Nova Bay, Antarctica; while the first

Catholic chapel (named after Saint Francis of Assisi) was built in 1976 at the Argentine Esperanza Base. The southernmost Christian chapel (in fact, the southernmost place of worship of any religion) lies at the Argentine Belgrano II Base at Coats Land. It is a permanent Catholic chapel made entirely of ice.  (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Antarctica) Once again WAP is proud to be quoted on WikipediA!

The white Chapel of the Snows, a 64-seat house of worship with a pretty, penguin-motif stained-glass window and an organ, is the third Chapel raised at McMurdo Station in Antarctica (the first two were destroyed by fire). The Erebus Chalice, which first traveled to Antarctica with Ross in 1841, may be the oldest Antarctic relic on the continent.

Now, thanks to Francois F8DVD who found and Old postcard (dated 1964)  and shared it; the front side of that card (pic above), shows the original chapel as it was at the time.

TNX F8DVD

A year later November, 1965 articles on Antarctic journal  document the history of this structure. The church has been replaced after the 1978 fire that destroyed it. Read more of the history of this church at: https://www.southpolestation.com/trivia/history/chapel.html

Wolf’s Fang Runway, WAP MNB-NEW

Wolfs Fang Runway (aka Wolf’s Fang Runway), 71°31’ South, 08°48’ East, is a private runway established by White Desert Ltd, a luxury travel company, at Antarctica to provide access for tourist to the company’s Whichaway Camp (WAP MNB-NEW) by transiting to Novo Runway.

It is a re-establishment of a previous blue ice “Novo Runway”  that was also known as Blue One Runway, WAP MNB-Ø6 (which is located at 70° 49’ 31”South, 11° 31’ 41” Eas).

As soon as some Hams will operate from there, a New WAP reference will be issued.

HFØARC Polish Arctowski Station, a story told by Seba SQ1SGB

Last 2017, Sebastian (Seba) Gleich SQ1SGB electronics engineer  was overwintering in Antarctica, among the 41st Polish Scientific Expedition,  with the task of  monitoring of the atmosphere’s electricity. Beside Arctowski Station (WAP POL-Ø1),  Poland own  two field bases : Lions Rump Refuge  (WAP POL-NEW) and Demay Point Refuge (WAP POL-NEW).

Being an electronic specialist, Seba did work at Lions Rump Refuge (30 km away) to build communication stuff to link Arctowski main station. He sets the mast with antenna at the highest site using all of RG 213 cable available  then,  he realized that he could not connect his delta mini to the transceiver, without feeder.

The problem was solved by the help of Juan Manuel LU4CJM who was at that time operating at Carlini Base.

Seba wrote:– I visited Carlini Station  (WAP ARG-2Ø) a couple of times (7 hours by walk through Warsaw glacier). Juan Manuel  was a radio engineer there; he gave me a skein of 50 meters RG 213 and … I took it back across the glacier on my backpack. At my return, I immediately start to complete the job …cut, weld, measuring, test,  etc. After a couple weeks all was ready. All wintering crew did help me to set the hardware, mast and antennas . It was very hard; we had to pull the top and put something under the center  with risk of collapse, then we attached the lashings. It was a long day but at the end, the new mast with my delta mini was on, with a good SWR.

Back to Arctowski, I did make 511 QSO’s with 58 countries signing HFØARC. Antenna did work very good on 40 and 20m; even with  35m/s wind and ice on the wire, the  antenna (TNX SP1BKS) withstood well. My first QSO was on june 08.2017 with CX5DI (40m SSB). At the beginning, for two weeks  I could not find propagation window (only 3 QSO’s ), so I decided to build a converter for digital modes. It did  take me around one month. I make separation trafo from old analog phone, another one from a network card and  on july 15,2017 I was on air (pics aside: the digital converter while in assembly). On JT65 and FT8 I make a lots of QSO, as well as on SSB.

During my time on the air I make a  QSO with SP3BGD, electronic engineer (and Ham radio) who did operate from Arctowski in 1998. It was a very nice QSO with lots warm words.
Last QSO in my log was on  15.oct,2017. Then my chief  from Warsaw told me to put down the mast… I secured it  on the hall… maybe I will come back one day?

Two weeks later I was in Ushuaia, then finally at home!.

TNX Seba SQ1SGB.

Henryk Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station (WAP POL-Ø1), is located on King George Island in the South Shetland archipelago and it has been operating since the late 1970s.

 

It remain the hope that really some days both remote refuges: Lion’s Rump Refuge  (WAP POL-NEW) Pic on the Left

 

and Demay Point Refuge (WAP POL-NEW) Pic on the Right, could be on the air and a new reference be issued! It will be a great goal for Polish Hams and for the entire Ham radio WW Antarctic hunters community!

 

http://arctowski.aq/en/expedition-41/nggallery/image/p2710621/

EM1UA & EM1U , Ukrainian Research Station Vernadsky WAP UKR-Ø1

Vernadsky Station (WAP UKR-Ø1)

Vernadsky Research Base (WAP UKR-Ø1), the only Ukrainian station in Antarctica, is located on Galindez Island in the Bellingshausen Sea, close to the Antarctic Peninsula, some 2,700 kilometers away from the South Pole.

Ukraine is one of the 30 countries in the world, which has its permanent station in Antarctica, which operates all year round. A team of 26 Ukrainian biologists, geologists, and engineers is to spend more than two months conducting important scientific research, according to the National Antarctic Scientific Center , the Ukrainian public body formed in 1993, responsible for coordination, managing and executing Ukrainian activities in Antarctica..

The 24th Ukrainian Antarctic Expedition  set sail for the icy continent last Jan. 18th.  Roman Bratchyk, UT7UA (ex UA1OT & UB5KBE, UX1KA, pic aside), is among the Team actually  travelling to reach Vernadsky Base, Galindez Island; Ronan will operate on HF Bands on his spare time, signing EM1UA and EM1U .

QSL via UT7UA:
Roman Bratchyk , Post office Box-19, Kyiv, 01001 Ukraine
.

According to Pavlo UT1KY (a Ukrainian Antarctic veteran), it will take 2-3 weeks to reach the site, so we do not expect to hear Ronan before the beginning of February. The license issued, will expire 1st February 2020.

TNX UT1KY

In 1996 the British Faraday Station (WAP GBR-Ø6) was transferred to the members of the 1st Ukrainian Antarctic Expedition and then renamed to the Akademik Vernadsky Station which is capable of supporting complex and systematic scientific research in Antarctica.

Chinese polar research ship hits iceberg in Antarctica

The MV Xue Long (which translates as Snow Dragon), was moving through the Amundsen Sea in “dense ice” when it struck the iceberg, China’s Ministry of Natural Resources said in a notice posted on its website.

The 20,000-tonne Snow Dragon was travelling at a speed of around three knots (5.56kph) at the time, when hitting an iceberg.

Chinese officials said dense fog was to blame for the collision, the ship’s mast and bulwark were damaged, but there were no injuries, personnel did work to remove huge chunks of ice from the vessel.

Read more  and watch the footage video at: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/2183197/chinese-polar-research-ship-snow-dragon-hits-iceberg-antarctica

WAP ARG-29, New Entry in WAP Directory

A revision has been made on Argentina Sub Antarctic Tierra del Fuego (WAP ARG-23).  At the light of new evidence showing Huts and Navy outposts, 2 New Ref. (WAP ARG-29 & WAP ARG-3Ø) has been issued; today we’ll see WAP ARG-29.

The  Isla de los Estados (Staten Island) is located in the South Atlantic Ocean to the east of Miter peninsula of the Big Island of Tierra del Fuego, from which it is separated by the 24 km of the Le Maire Strait. It belongs to the Department Ushuaia of the Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and South Atlantic Islands province .

The entire archipelago is administered by the Government of the Province of Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and the South Atlantic Islands with the participation of the National Administration of National Parks and the Argentine Navy, which together make up the mixed Commission of Isla de los Estados.

Let’s have a quick view of this New WAP reference for Argentina Sub Antarctic Territories:

WAP ARG-29 – Isla de los Estados (Staten island)  54°47′00″South, 64°15′00″West, hosts a scientific station (pic aside) of the CADIC (Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas). In other sites of the Island,  there are Scientific Stations that study different aspects of flora, fauna, etc. which, forced us to decide to inserted Isla de los Estados  as a “New entry into the WAP Directory.

WAP ARG-29 will also include: San Juan de Salvamento LH (WAP ARG-LH-Ø7), Puerto Parry  &  Com. Luis Piedrabuena Naval oupost-

Puerto Parry where the Navy post is the only refuge (See last pic below). The guard of the post changes every 45 days and the young soldiers remain there in the middle of that paradise of solitude. Only a radio and a radar link them with the base of Ushuaia.

Com. Luis Piedrabuena Naval oupost (Apostadero Naval Piedrabuena) of the Argentine Navy.

(Historical Note: Piedrabuena was the sole owner of the island, after the National Congress granted him the ownership of the island, along with an island at the mouth of the Santa Cruz River, which he named Pavón. He believed that in order to defend the sovereignty of this still-gestating state, it was necessary to give life to these places by populating them).

Antarctic Activity Week , get ready to join !

In the last issue of Radio Ref. January 2019, the French radio magazine there an article about the  16th AAW  (Antarctic Activity Week) , written by François  F8DVD – TM16AAW  .

This unique event, promoted by WAP (Worldwide Antarctic Program) has been  launched  16 years ago by WW Ham Radio community and lasting continuously  every year. Purposes of the event is  to draw attention to the Antarctic Continent,  to share what  Nations and Organizations are doing to protect this still non contaminated corner of the world, to share a WW message of peace.

TNX François  F8DVD – TM16AAW.

 

One of the last entry in this year’s edition of the AAW is KØANT, WAP-198, a special Club callsign (Kansas Antenna Club)

TNX Jim, KBØMZF, Secretary and Trustee for KØANT

WAP Directories; New release online

2019 Edition  of the WAP-WACA & WAP-WADA directories (release 1.33 of Jan 16th 2019) have been uploaded on WAP website together with the IK6CAC software (release 032 to manage your WAP Awards). The 2019’s edition contains the new entries such as new Antarctic sites come to light  or identified last year.
WAP-Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic Lighthouse 2019’s edition is online as well, with the issued references and a list of callsigns that qualify each of the references assigned.

Chasers can download and print  the Directories that for convenience, have been uploaded in pdf  format.

Don’t forget that WAP Directories are a unique WW tool to follow Antarctica since the epic era.

Research Vessel “Hespérides”, heading to Antarctica

The oceanographic research vessel  R/V Hespérides  of the Spanish Navy,  is sailing to the frozen Continent to participate in the XXXII Spanish Antarctic Campaign. About two hundred scientists and technicians will be in charge of the research projects, which will be carried out in the transits of the ship which will serve as a platform for carrying out 24 research projects. The deglaciation of the Antarctic, the activity of submarine volcanoes and the impact of parasites and contaminants on the penguin’s immune system, are some of the most outstanding projects in the XXXII Spanish Antarctic Campaign.
One of the interesting things of this Antarctic campaign,  is that R/V Hespérides hoists in its forward mast, the commemorative emblem of the V Centenary of the first round the world made by Fernando de Magallanes and Juan Sebastián de Elcano. The frigate’s captain José Emilio Regodón, commander of the ship, explained that during the voyage they will stop at the ports of Montevideo (Uruguay) and Ushuaia (Argentina) to later go to the South Shetland Islands to support the Antarctic Spanish Bses down there.

Spain has two bases in Antarctica: Juan Carlos I (WAP ESP-Ø1) and Gabriel de Castilla (WAP ESP-Ø2). R/V Hespérides will also support international research in Colombia, the United Kingdom, Chile, Norway, Brazil and Portugal.

Whichaway Camp, Antarctica WAP MNB-NEW

At 70° 45’ 51”South, 11° 37′ 01”East  within the Schirmacher Oasis,  Whichaway Camp  (WAP MNB-NEW) is located within the wider study area comprise the Indian  Maitri Research station (WAP IND-Ø3), and Russian  Novolazarevskaya Research station (WAP RUS-Ø9).

Whichaway Camp is on Shirmacher Oasis in Queen Maud Land, located between the edge of of the Antarctic Ice Shelf, and the Novolazarevskaya Nivi Ice Shelf; behind camp there is  a frozen lake, then a giant ice fall, and then glaciers and ice as far as one could see, with Nunatak in the distance.  Arrival at Whichaway Camp is impressive and fascinating , a luxury hotel site in Antarctica; three centralized pods held the kitchen, lounge, and dining room and … more; just watch and enjoy the video!

As soon as some Hams will operate from there, a New WAP reference will be given.

WAP Antarctic Activity Week 2019

The 16th edition of the Antarctic Activity Week (AAW) will be on air next February  16th and will last till the 24th.

Some station will start  earlier  and will continue to operate their special callsigns  till the end of the month. If you are Ham, if you enjoy  Antarctica and its fashinating world , It’s time so sign in. Just apply for your special that may recall the Icy Continent,  or use one of the old callsigns already classified with a WAP reference, and join the event, the unique one worldwide of this greatness.

Last  Hams to have sign their participation are:  F8DHE Pierre who will operate 80 to 10mts,  CW and SSB  as TM16WAP (WAP-299) from his QTH located in center France, Department 42 in FFF-026. QSL via Home call, all info on QRZ.com, full color QSL  card for collection … of course !
II5ANT (WAP-Ø25), Massimo IZ5BTC will operate from the historical city of Lucca, in Tuscany Region. Info for both, available at QRZ.com, as well aa all the others that have already signed up.

We are just warming up … and you?

Concordia Station, WAP MNB-Ø3

Danilo IZ1KHY is actually at Concordia Station (WAP MNB-Ø3) following a group of researchers. He will stay at Concordia till Jan 15th.

Danilo is operating as IAØ/IZ1KHY/p using the base equipment (100W), when available.

He is experiencing a real negative propagation condition; only few openings with Australia-New Zealand. Not to forget that, when there is air traffic, the HF radio is room is busy for the air traffic controllers.
He said to copy some signals from North America and Europe, but even if he is calling, nobody answer!  Actually he has few VKs in the Log.

We suggested him 14280 from 16:00 UTC and ahead and 7180 from 23:00 UTC.

 

TNX IZ1KHY

“Atka Bay Skiway Camp” WAP MNB-NEW

The Atka Bay Skiway site  (70°36’45” S, 8°07’25” W) is the location of the Emperor Penguin colony. The Camp, managed by White Desert Company lies not too far away to the structure of German Research Station Neumayer III (70°40´S, 8°16´W),  and stands right between Neumayer III (WAP DEU-Ø8) and Neumayer Emergency Base (WAP ZAF-11).

Picture of Atka Bay Skiway Camp, was taken last Jan.8th  by Matthias DH5CW, on the way to Neumayer Emergency Base, aka South Africa Summer support Base  (WAP ZAF-11), together with Felix DL5XL.  Apart from the tents, there is a marked skiway for airplanes. Looking very closely, Neumayer Station III in the background (just over the left yellow tent) can be seen.

TNX Matthias DH5CW & Felix DL5XL

As soon as some Hams will operate from Atka Bay Skiway Camp, a New WAP reference will be issued.

 

“White Desert” Company

White Desert  (http://www.white-desert.com/)  is the only Company in the world to fly into the interior of Antarctica in a private jet and offer greatest trip to the Icy Continent , where tourists  will be met by polar guides who will take care of excursions, but,  White Desert also serve a support for logistic flies  to and from Antarctica where the company  has opened up quite a few new Camps.

In the next days, we will see some of the sites and structures  which could be a “New entry” in the WAP Directory’s program.

Starr Nunatak field Camp, WAP MNB-1Ø a brand new one!

Located at 75°53’ South, 162°45’East,  Starr Nunatak marking the North site of the mouth of Harbord glacier  on the coast of Victoria Land, Antarctica.

What is a Nunatak?
Nunatak is an exposed, often rocky element of a ridge, mountain, or peak not covered with ice or snow within (or at the edge of) an ice field or glacier.

Last week, Danilo IZ1KHY Expert Scout of the Italian Army, technical support of the scientific missions of the 2018-2019 Antarctic campaign,  has been at  Starr Nunatak field Camp with a group of geologist and researcher.  (See pics on this page)

This  Multinational field camp has been set for a  German-Italian Team who did conduct mapping and geological studies.


Danilo Collino
, did operate HF SSB from this remote site, signing IAØ/IZ1KHY/P , using a dipole and 100W. He just worked few VKs and ZLs, unfortunately, even if he did try hard, there was no openings to any other  direction. To this remote site a new WAP reference MNB-1Ø has just been given .

Pics hereby show the site and Danilo IZ1KHY. Notice the mast and dipole antenna behind the blue tent.
Congrats to those who did work this brand new one!


TNX IZ1KHY

A free Antarctic Activity Week’s Award by Paolo, IK3GER

Every year, in the month of February, a special event  called  ANTARCTIC ACTIVITY  WEEK is set up. This year, the 16th AAW will be held from February 16th to 24th.

All WAP (Worldwide Antarctic Program) special stations  has been issued a WAP reference number to be given during the QSO. Hams from all over the world are invited to join the unique worldwide event launched by radio amateurs to rise awareness and sensitize the world on the problems of both environment and peace, study and research.

To celebrate this event, as  already done last year as well, Paolo IK3GER has set a fully free diploma for OM/SWL, available at Paolo’s web site https://www.ik3ger.it  starting  Febr.1st 2019.

Our appreciation to Paolo IK3GER for is great initiative!

The purpose of the Antarctic Activity Week (A.A.W.) launched by WAP (Worldwide Antarctic Program) www.waponline.it , is to improve the Worldwide interest around Antarctic Continent and its related  matters, with the aim of stay close to the researchers and personnel  who are spending their time away from home and families,  studying the Antarctic life and its secrets.

Antarctic Activity Week,  is celebrated every year on last week of February, in concomitance with the 22nd of February, when Argentina celebrates the Argentine’s Antarctica Day (Dia De La Antartida Argentina).

Again our intention is to draw your attention to the Antarctic Continent, to understand what the Nations are doing to protect this still non contaminated corner of the planet, to share a message of peace among the World. This year the AAW is at the 16th edition.

Once again, WAP wish to remind WW Hams to join  the event; apply for your special call sign, get your own WAP reference at be on air!

TAAF stamps: novelties 2019. Tribute to Mario Zucchelli

The “New collection TAAF 2019”  marks the tribute to Mario Zucchelli, director of the Italian Antarctic Program, who deceased on 24/10/2003,

The TAAF (Terres Australes et Antarctiques Françaises)  will shortly issue a stamp  dedicated to the Italian scientist Mario Zucchelli (1944 – 2003), for years a reference figure for the Italian Antarctic Program. In particular, the TAAF celebrate its important contribution to the realization of the French-Italian Concordia Station (WAP MNB-Ø3), depicted in the stamp along with the portrait of Zucchelli on a tricolor background.

In 2004 Mario Zucchelli was also dedicated to the Italian Antarctic Station in Baia Terra Nova (WAP ITA-Ø1).

The stamp, soft size with report 1,35 €, author Yves Beaujard, will be issued by 25 stamps per sheet for a total of 30.000 stamps

Other TAAF issues planned for 2019 at: http://philatelie.polaire.free.fr/spip.php?article1055

 

TNX Maurizio IZ1GJK

Neumayer Emergency Base (also known as SANAP Summer Base, WAP ZAF-11)

Matthias, DH5CW (Pic to the Left), and Felix, DL5XL (Pic to the Right), will be active from Neumayer Emergency Base (also known as SANAP Summer Base, WAP ZAF-11), Grid Locator IB59uj, from January 8 to 9, 2019 (weather permitting). The call sign used will be DP0GVN/p.
QSL
via DL5EBE.

Main modes of operation are expected to be CW and FT8. They will be running 100 watts to a multi-band dipole antenna. To make it a little easier to find this rare base on the bands, the following CW skeds have been arranged:
08-Jan at 22:00 UTC on 10,122 kHz, 08-Jan at 23:30 UTC on 7,033 kHz,

09-Jan at 00:30 UTC on 14,042 kHz.

SANAP Summer Station/Neumayer Emergency Base 70º38´59´´South, 08º14´59´´West, WAP ZAF-11

In December 2009, the German Station “Neumayer II” (WAP DEU-02) has been handed over to South Africa. SANAP (South Africa National Antarctic Program) did continue to use this facility as a replacement for the old South African “E-Base” (WAP ZAF-01). “E-Base” is short for “Emergency Base” and it is used as a logistical facility in order to support supply operations to SANAE IV Base (WAP ZAF-Ø3) in Antarctic summer. In 2009, a team of 16 people arrived onboard SA AGULHAS in order to take down Neumayer II and install the new E-Base right on top of it above the snow. The remains of Neumayer II Base, large hollow metal tubes which once hosted living shelters and laboratories, are buried under thick ice. Today, just the garage is used as a storage facility by SANAP.

As far as we know, the only HAM radio activity from this remote Antarctic site, was done by Lars Lehnert DL1LLL who did operate as ZS7/DL1LLL on last 26 Oct. 2012 so, this new operation by Matthias DH5CW & Felix DL5XL  (that will sign DPØGVN/P) will be a great opportunity for the Antarctic Chasers … stay tuned and do not miss the chance!
TNX DL5XL (DP1POL) and DH5CW (DPØGVN)

Tierra del Fuego (WAP ARG-23)

Hams of Radio Club Ushuaia plan to activate the six protected areas of the Tierra del Fuego Province, doing radio activity in each and every one of them. Date will be announced gradually as long as each  the small expedition is fully organized. The tentative calendar includes January, February and March 2019.
These protected areas are under the supervision of the Government of the Province.  TNX Miguel Angel Lavalle LU1XU (ex LU1XPK)

To WAP ARG-23 belongs Puerto Almanza (54°52’12″South   67°33’51″West),  a town in the Ushuaia department,  of the province of Tierra del Fuego. In this site, there is a monitoring and control post for maritime traffic of the Argentine Navy.  Same reference is for  Base Naval Buen Suceso (LU1XY/X) and Isla Redonda on the Beagle chanel.

Buen Suceso is a small bay located on Peninsula Miter on Le Maire Strait,  in front of  Isla de los Estados (Staten Island) in the department of Ushuaia, on the east coast of the Great Island of Tierra del Fuego.  In the place, since the mid-88 there is a Navy Base with heliport;  it’s an excellent support since it has powerful radio equipment which provide maritime traffic control, thus ensuring efficient communication with Ushuaia. The Buen Suceso surveillance post, is covered by an officer and five non-commissioned officers who are periodically renewed. They have the mission to control  of maritime traffic in the area of influence and provide assistance to vessels sailing through the Strait of Le Maire.

 

FD83 -South Pole Camp, WAP MNB-Ø9 a “New Entry”

FD83 stands for  Fuel Depot 83; the site is located at  83°00’ South, 11°38’ East.  FD83-South Pole camp is used as a stopping point, and refueling location by the White Desert during the 2018-2019 season.

We did suppose Oleg Sakharov RI1ANX could have been there and today, thanks to Felix DL5XL/DP1OL who have spoken with Oleg,  we got a confirmation from him directly, so that a  NEW WAP reference  WAP MNB-Ø9 has been issued to this Antarctic site.

Here, some news about it:  The Fuel Depot 83 location site (83°00’S 11°38’E), henceforth referred to as FD83, has been used as fuel storage depot and logistical base facility jointly by the Antarctic Logistic Centre International (ALCI) and The Antarctic Company (TAC) since 2010. The site is used during the austral summer, between November and January as a refuelling and rest stop location for onwards visits to the South Pole. It is used by TAC for refuelling in order to carry out visits on behalf of White Desert as well as other organisations.

Each year a group of “Arctic Trucks employees” participate in different projects throughout Antarctica and this Antarctica summer, seven members of the team have been working there on three different projects, one of which is the New site called Fuel depot on FD83 for  aircraft on their way to the South Pole.

The mission start from Novo Runway (WAP MNB-Ø6) with a traverse of 1700 kilometers journey to FD83. The journey was 90 hours, with 69 hours of driving! Since then the group has stayed there, preparing the landing strip and the fuel depot, servicing aircraft that have stopped there on their way to the South Pole. The Team is responsible for making sure the landing strip is safe, receive oil barrels that were dropped in by parachute and make the depot ready for the servicing of the aircraft. For a whole month the team stayed in this isolated place, in tents, with the temperature at around minus 40 degrees Celsius! On this 2018-2019 recent occasion, a group of Russians (RI1ANX is among them), who are still there,  did join the traverse that reached the site.

Now Oleg Sakharov RI1ANX is now on the way back  and we did work him again in the evening of Jan 2, 2019 at 23:25 UTC

Read also: https://arctictrucksnewsfeed.com/2017/12/19/project-1-fuel-depot-on-fd83/
TNX Oleg RI1ANX & Felix DL5XL/DP1POL

RSV Nuyina, Australia’s new icebreaker

Australia’s new Antarctic Icebreaker and resupply ship  RSV Nuyina, is due to arrive in Hobart in 2020. It will be the main lifeline to Australia’s Antarctic and sub-Antarctic research stations and the central platform of our Antarctic and Southern Ocean scientific research,  to replace the Aurora Australis.

Australia’s new Antarctic icebreaker RSV Nuyina is being constructed in Damen Shipyards, Romania. Construction commenced in late May 2017, with a steel cutting ceremony, while a keel laying ceremony in August saw the first building-block of the ship consolidated in the drydock. Construction is expected to be completed at the end of 2019. The Australian Antarctic icebreaker RSV Nuyina will make its maiden voyage to Antarctica in 2020–21.

Read more about the ship at: http://www.antarctica.gov.au/icebreaker/updates

Thanks and credit: Australian Government, Department of Environment and Energy, Australian Antarctic Division

Happy New Year

To the researchers and personnel actually involved in Antarctica, to the scientific Organizations and Managers to whom we request to continue the research programs as a WW goal, to the Antarctic enthusiasts, to the students, to the Hams on the Icy Continent trying to set antennas and Radio to give us the emotion of a real DX, to our followers all over the world,  WAP Staff wish Happy New Year 2019!

Antarctica news from the Russians

Thanks to Eugene RZ3EC, to Alexei RN1ON and to Alexander RW3RN, here below are some information about the now a day activity by  Russian Hams in Antarctica:

RI1ANM (op: Alex, RX3ABI). QTH: Vostok Sation WAP RUS-13. QSL via home call.

RI1ANV (op: Aleksey, RD1AV). QTH: Vostok Station WAP RUS-13. QSL via RN1ON

RI1ANX  (op: Oleg, UA1PBA/ZS1ANF-pic aside). Now in logistic campaign (over 83° South), WAP RUS-NEW.  QSL via RK1PWA.

RI1ANW (op: Serge, R3IW ex.RW3IW) 63rd RAE at  Novolazarevskaya Base WAP RUS-Ø9. QSL via RN1ON.

 

As regard to RI1ANX, it’s about Oleg Sakharov (see pics on this page together with VU3BPZ at Maitri Station 2012), we are talking about an Antarctic veteran ZS1ANF/UA1PBA ex.RI1ANR, RI1ANF etc.who gave us several new ones!  RI1ANX it is new call-sign of Oleg who is actually among a logistics convoy in southern Antarctica and for time to time active on CW 30 & 40 mts bands. His last coordinates/Grid locator KA06: Lat. -83.40448, Long. 20.58928.

 

 

TNX RZ3EC, RN1ON, RW3RN

Colin O’Brady Completes Crossing of Antarctica

The final miles of a nearly two-month race across Antarctica, a lonely effort marked by long days, short nights and stunning endurance, ended Wednesday with a sprint to the finish.

In what could go down as one of the great feats in polar history, the American Colin O’Brady, 33, covered the final 77.54 miles of the 921-mile journey across Antarctica in one final sleepless, 32-hour burst, becoming the first person ever to traverse Antarctica from coast to coast solo, unsupported and unaided by wind.

Read more at: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/26/sports/antarctica-race-colin-obrady.html

Colin O’Brady finishes solo Antarctic trek

https://youtu.be/i-3d5i7S3H0

DP1POL/P, Kohnen Station (WAP DEU-11), Antarctica

Felix Riess, DL5XL, is actually signing DP1POL/P from Kohnen Station (WAP DEU-11), Antarctica. The time of Felix stay at Kohnen is not known. QSL via DL1ZBO

 

Kohnen (75° South, 04° East) is a German summer polar research station in the Antarctic; it is named after the geophysicist Heinz Kohnen (1938–1997), who was for a long time the head of logistics at the Alfred Wegener Institute.

The station can accommodate up to 20 researchers at a time, and the personnel constantly change with each new research project.

The scientists work and live in the eleven containers, each of which rests atop steel struts above the surface of the ice.

Some of these containers were salvaged from the Filchner Station, which had to be dug out of the ice in 1999. Some contain living quarters, a kitchen and mess hall, while others are home to the radio station, a snow-melting machine for drinking water, and the station’s power supply (100 kW).

To keep Kohnen Station running smoothly, convoys of up to six caterpillar-track vehicles – called Traverses – from the Neumayer-Station III (WAP DEU-Ø2)  pay regular 3 resupply visits.

Merry Christmas from Antarctica

Here below some Christmas Wishes sent from researcher and personnel actually in Antarctica.

We are so grateful to all of those people, Nations and Organizations who are spending their time away from home and families, studying the Antarctic life and its secrets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

To them all, Very Merry Christmas

 

Years ago, we have thought about an International Antarctic Program,  not belonging to a person, to a Group of people, nor to a Society or a Club. What we were looking for, was something belonging to the Radio Amateurs and friends, to studends and  chasers who enjoy dealing with the 6th Continent, with Antarctica , well, we succeded!  

We  are pleased to share with you all, our enthusiasm and passion, stay with us and enjoy WAP … Worldwide Antarctic Web site since 1979!

Russia joins 11th Belarusian Antarctic expedition

Belarusian Antarctic Station  67° 39’ 30” South, 46° 09’ 12” East,  Mount Vechernyaya,  Enderby Land,  East Antarctica.(WAP BLR-NEW)

The Republic of Belarus joined the Antarctic Treaty in 2006 and, in that same year, approved the national program for Polar research which is called “Monitoring of Earth’s Polar areas and ensuring activity of the Arctic and Antarctic expeditions for 2007­­-­2010 and for the period until 2015”. Soon after, in 2008, it ratified the Environmental Protocol.

In 2015, the national Antarctic program of the Republic of Belarus was accepted as the 30th Member of COMNAP. From December 2015 through January 2016, the first portion of the national research station, a three-section module for control, communication and navigation, was assembled in Antarctica.                 Watch a video here

Belarus and Russia are building strategic partnership in Antarctica:  Belarusian and Russian polar explorers will carry out a joint research project during the 11th Belarusian Antarctic Expedition in 2018-2019, Alexander Klepikov, head of the Russian Antarctic expedition, Deputy Director of the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute, said at a meeting with senior officials of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (NASB) on last 8 August, BelTA learned from the NASB press service.

Let’s hope that,  at the Belarus Base someone can operate HF on the Ham bands to give Radioamateurs  all over the world, a chance to work a New Base down in Antarctica!

QSLs … what a passion!

Thanks to  Charles R. Wilmott, MØOXO for his excellent QSL service.
Cards for two special events to commemorate the Macquarie & Heard’s  7Øth Anniversary  have been received and did enter in the WAP showcase

VI7ØHI (WAP-288) is a Special Callsign issued to Commemorate the first ANARE Expedition to Heard Island in December 1947.

 

VI7ØMI (WAP-293) is a Special Callsign issued to Commemorate 70 years of ANARE (Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions) for Macquarie Island, which since 1947 have served Australia in the south polar regions.

Thanks the VK operators for putting both calls on the air, thanks MØOXO for his QSL service and thanks the Antarctic chasers all over the world for following the history of the Icy Continent … through the QSLs!

VKØAI Macquarie Station (WAP AUS-Ø8)

Just to remind the chasers that   Norbert (VK5MQ) is  still active as VKØAI from Macquarie Island and expect to be there till March 2019; follow the spotson the Cluster. .He has internet access, and is an avid user of both FT8 & eQSL.cc, so if you make a contact expect it to be confirmed via eQSL within minutes!

QSL via VK5MQ, eQSL, LOTW.
Direct QSL to:
Ne Trupp, Po Box 1359, Mount Gambier, Sa, 5290, Australia.

See the Macquarie webcam at: http://www.antarctica.gov.au/webcams/macquarie-island

AO1WAP joining the 16th Antarctic Activity Week

11 years ago, the 1st participation to the Antarctic Activity Week by the  EA1CS’s Spanish Team, was one of the important presence, to promote Worldwide attention to the Icy Continent as a land of science and peace, to its wildlife, to the thousands of  studies that involve the entire worldwide community.  On the occasion of that  first EA’s AAW (11 years ago), the group will be “On the Air” again signing AO1WAP (WAP-137), from February 16 to 24, 2019.

The authorization has been received and the operators will be:
Juanjo EA1WX, Fernando EA1WK,  Javi EC1KV, Dani EB1LA, Carri  EA1CUB, Juan Carlos EA1AUM, Luis EA1CS.

QRV from 6 to 160mts ( +WARC ) CW, SSSB RTTY, PSK and sporadically FT8.

TNX EA1CS

Have a look at AO1WAP web site https://ao1wap.weebly.com/  and enjoy the coming AAW activity

Antarctica: Two technicians die at U.S. research station

Very sad news coming from Antarctica.
Two technicians performing maintenance at a U.S. research station died on Wednesday while working on a building that houses a generator for a nearby radio transmitter, the National Science Foundation (NSF) said.

The pair, both employed as subcontractors at the NSF-managed McMurdo Station in Antarctica, were found unconscious on the floor of the building after a helicopter pilot flying over the area saw what appeared to be smoke coming from the structure and landed to investigate.

One of the technicians was pronounced dead by medical personnel called to the scene. The other was pronounced dead a short time after being flown to the McMurdo medical clinic, the NSF said in a statement.

WAP express sincere sympathy to the families; our hearts are saddened by the loss; our thoughts and prayers are with you.

More at: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-antarctic-casualties/two-technicians-die-at-u-s-research-station-in-antarctica-idUSKBN1OC02G

RI1ANV, new callsign for Vostok Station (WAP RUS-13)

Francois F8DVD, is forwarding some info, just received from RN1ON Alexei.

RI1ANC – Vostok (WAP RUS-13):  Alexei Turkeev, RD1AV (Season Team leader),  just arrived at Vostok Base for the new campaign, is now active as RI1ANC during his spare time

On December 24,  the RI1ANC license will end, a new license is coming to be registred. The new call-sign will be  RI1ANV. Alex will be at the station until February 2019. QSL via RN1ON

 

RI1ANM (Alexander Solodov, RX3ABI) was at Vostok the whole 2018 as well; he  was not very active and his overwintering at Vostok Sation ends soon.

SA Agulhas II departs for Antarctica

South Africa’s Polar research vessel the SA Agulhas II departs for Antarctica on Friday. Fifty-eight scientists are on board and will spend 14 months on the icy continent; the Weddell Sea Expedition will conduct marine and glaciological research.

Environmental Affairs spokesperson Zolile Nqayi explains: “As part of the Antarctica Week which started on Monday until today, the SA Agulhas II departed to Antarctica.
There are a number of scientists who will be spending 14 months at our base in Antarctica where they’ll do research a number of areas needed for weather and environmental change.”

Reed more at: https://ewn.co.za/2018/12/07/sa-agulhas-ii-departs-for-antarctica

We remind the readers that any Polar Reseasrch vessels as well as Icebreakers and Polar Supply ships worked as M/M sailing the Antarctic& Sub Antarctic  waters will qualify for the WAP Antarctic Awards.

No information about a presence of Ham radio operators on board of SA Aghulas II on this Antarctic voyage.

21 Sub Antarctic Islands

Across the bottom of the globe, between the continents and Antarctica, there are quite a few islands – all interesting and special places. -Many thanks to the many photographers who took these pictures. We are all grateful for your enterprise and skill– wrote  John Paix  when he put the video online last  2 oct. 2016. TNX John Paix

Most of the islands shown on the video are listed in WAP WADA Directory; Among all of those shown, there some such as Tristan da Cunha, that are not included (see below).
On Gough Island (WAP ZAF-Ø5),  about 400 km (250 mi) south-east of the Tristan da Cunha archipelago  there is a Scientific Research base and a Weather Station which the South African National Antarctic Programme has maintained, with British permission, continually on the island since 1956.

Amsterdam and  St. Paul islands belongs to the French TAAF, therefore
they have been incorporated  on the Directory’s list.

Nightingale Islands don’t really count as subantarctic; they  are a group of three islands in the South Atlantic, part of the Tristan da Cunha territory: they consist of Nightingale Island, Middle Islands and Stoltenhoff Island.

Inaccessible Island is an extint volcano, last active six million years ago, with Cairn Peak reaching 449 m (1,473 ft). The island is 12.65 km2 (4.88 sq mi) in area, rising out of the South Atlantic 45 km (28 mi) south-west of Tristan da Cunha.

43rd Polish Antarctic Expedition

Researchers and personnel of Polish Arctowski Station  (WAP POL-Ø1) in Antarctica  did celebrate the Antarctica Day on last Dec. 1st .

The annual celebration was launched in 2010 to commemorate the signature of the Antarctic Treaty on December 1st, 1959, which defines the legal and political status of Antarctica. We are celebrating the peaceful aims of the treaty and its contribution to the independence of scientific research. We hope that educational events taking place  around the world will contribute to spreading the knowledge about the treaty and increase awareness of the needs to protect the vulnerable  Antarctic environment.

Antarctica Day is celebrated internationally on 1 December, marking the day of the signing of the Antarctic Treaty in 1959 when 12 Nations signed the Antarctic Treaty agreeing to 14 commands, including that Antarctica will be used for peaceful purposes only.  59 years ago, Antarctica became a continent dedicated to peace and scientific international collaboration. Today, Antarctica is seen as “a natural reserve, devoted to peace and Science”.

New batch of QSL going to be printed by F5PFP

Mehdi, F5PFP wrote: As regards VP8DLM , FT5YK , CE9XX  (2011 Antarctic Expedition) ,  the  QSL cards have been almost exhausted. It is an occasion to print new cards with a new design for a final and limited edition , anyone interested?

Mehdi is trying to find an overview of Port Circoncision (WAP FRA-Ø8) during its occupation in 1908-1909
http://french-polar-team.fr/FT5Y-P_Port_Circoncision_Petermann_Island.php
and something similar for  CE9XX Base Cerda (WAP CHL-Ø4)
http://french-polar-team.fr/CE9_Presidente_Aguirre_Cerda_Station_Deception_Island.php

TNX F5PFP

About Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (ISEA)

ISEA is a multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional program conducted every year by the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences, started in 1981. It has gained global acceptance after India signed Antarctic Treaty.

Subsequently, India had constructed Dakshin Gangotri Antarctic research Base (WAP IND-Ø1) in 1983. It was superseded by the Maitri Base (WAP IND-Ø3) from 1990,

The newest base Bharati (WAP IND-Ø4), is the last one  of  the  India Research Programs  in Antarctica; The Larsemann Hills component of XXX Indian Antarctic Expedition, season 2010-11 led by Mr. Rajesh Asthana, a geologist from Geological Survey of India, reached 160m close to the landing site of Bharti Promontory.
Ice Breaker, I/B Vladimir Ignatyuck and the main expedition vessel were deployed during that season; on the year 2011-12 the Station has been completed and commissioned to carry out scientific activities involving various disciplines like, Earth Science, Biological Science, Atmospheric Science, Engineering and Medicine.

 

The first Ham Radio contact with Bharati Station was made on 27 Aug. 2012 and the operator was Bhagwati Prasad signing VU3BPZ/P

On Nov 27, 2018, the Launching ceremony of XXXVIII Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (ISEA) and Briefing lectures to the Fourth Batch of members has been held at Seminar Hall, NCPOR. Dr Rajesh Asthana, Deputy Director General, GSI and Veteran Antarctican was guest speaker together with Dr. M. Ravichandran, Director NCPOR; Shri M. Javed Beg and Dr. Thamban Meloth, Dr. K.P. Krishnan, Dr. Mahesh B.S. along with the members of fourth batch of expeditionners ready to head down South!

Mr. P Elango  (pic to the right) is the  38th ISEA Leader at Bharati Station WAP IND-Ø4), Antarctica, but as far as we know, no Ham radio operators are among the personnel down there!

Antarctic Philately by Abhay Mishra

A great Antarctic Philatelic exhibition named “Icy Continent & Indian Expeditions ‘ Exploring Antarctica” curated by Abhay Mishra at Valley of Words , International Literature & Art Festival, Dehra Dun. Venue – Hotel Madhuban, Blue Star Gallery (India), has just ended on last 25th Nov 2018.

Abhai Mishra is an “amateur philatelist” since 25 years. He is an ardent photographer and has designed over fifty special covers and cancellations for Department of Post. He is actively involved in spreading philately among children at grass-root level through interactive workshops.

As a philatelist he specializes in the area of Indian Antarctica and Uttarakhand. He has authored a book titled “Uttarakhand – A philatelic Journey”, published by Department of Post, Uttarakhand Circle. He has been to Antarctica with the XXI Indian Scientific Expedition as a communication officer. Professionally he is a scientist with Defence Research and Development Organization. (Pic aside shows  Abhay Mishra & Dr. G.S Shirohi, Ph.D  Delhi University)

India’s involvement with Antarctic Expeditions, dates back to circa 1911.

The book (Author Abhay Mishra) traces the history of  Indian  Antarctic Expeditions through mails and letters carried with the expedition. It documents the Indian Antarctic postal history through cancellations, cachets, labels, envelopes, letter heads, QSL cards, postcards, used during the expedition.

This “India Antarctic Expedition” is more than a nice book , it’s a great Philatelist’s Guide   that tells by wonderful pictures and philatelic covers & stamps, the history of Indian expeditions in Antarctica since the beginning, date cancellers used in Indian Antarctic Post Offices and lots more… it could be a fantastic gift for Christmas !

 

The book is distributed  by  www.stampsofindia.com  and/or can be ordered directly through orders@stampsofindia.com.

Hunter Burch, KK4AOS @ Palmer Station Antarctica

Originally built by U.S. Navy Seabees in 1967, Palmer Station  (WAP USA-23) is located at 64°46′ S, 64°03′ W on Anvers Island, near the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula; it is named for Nathaniel B. Palmer, a Connecticut sealer who, on 17 November 1820, during an exploratory voyage ranging southward from the South Shetland Islands, may have been the first person to see Antarctica. (British and Russian ships were in the area at about the same time.)

Palmer Station is situated off the Antarctica Peninsula, on a protected harbor on the southwestern coast of the Anvers Island, and is the only U.S. Antarctic station north of the Antarctic Circle. The temperature is mild, with monthly averages ranging from minus 10°C in July and August to 2°C in January and February. The annual mean is minus 3°C. The extreme range is minus 31°C to 9°C. It has rained every month at Palmer.

The station, built on solid rock, consists of two major buildings and three small ones, plus two large fuel tanks, a helicopter pad, and a dock. Construction was completed in 1968, replacing a prefabricated wood structure (“Old Palmer,” established in 1965) two kilometers away across Arthur Harbor. Old Palmer has been disassembled and removed from Antarctica. Somewhat over 40 people can occupy Palmer in the summer. Wintering population is about 10, although Palmer does not have a long period of winter isolation as do McMurdo and South Pole.

TNX  NSF. https://www.nsf.gov/geo/opp/support/palmerst.jsp

More also at: http://www.palmerstation.com/

Watch a nice video at: https://youtu.be/857x9e5PPOU 
Actually , Hunter Burch , KK4AOS is operating from there as KC4AAC (WAP USA-23) and is sporadically active. Let’s hope to get more info and set up skeds from Europe as well.
TNX Dr. Bill Spindler for his help to set contacts with KK4AOS/KC4AAC Let’s see if we’ll succeded!

McMurdo Station modernization plans

A rendering of the proposed redevelopment and consolidation of buildings at McMurdo Station. This conceptual drawing is subject to revision prior to final design. (Image Credit:  Leidos)

A long-range plan to modernize McMurdo Station (WAP USA-22), NSF’s logistics hub in Antarctica, to better support cutting-edge science in the coming decades cleared a major hurdle in the last week of October when a Final Design Review (FDR) of what is envisioned as a 10-year undertaking was conducted.

The successful outcome for the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernization for Science (AIMS) project puts NSF’s Office of Polar Programs a significant step closer to being able to redevelop McMurdo into an energy and operationally efficient platform from which to launch world-class Antarctic science.

Over the space of three days, an independent, comprehensive review was carried out of not only the progress of the project, but also the recipient’s capability and capacity to successfully, safely, and professionally deliver the AIMS-approved project scope within funding limits, and within an established schedule.

Now that the review is complete, the FDR Panel report, with its recommendations and OPP’s responses will make its way to the next stage: a formal review by NSF’s Facilities Readiness Panel.

Even though the panel has determined the project is indeed ready to proceed to construction, further milestones must still be met, including OPP’s formal presentations to NSF’s Facilities Readiness Panel, as well as to the Director’s Review Board, before the project is formally presented to the National Science Board in Feb 2019.

If the NSB approves the project, it will make a recommendation to the Director’s designee for final authorization for the modification the Leidos contract to include AIMS.

What any country can and can’t do in Antarctica, in the name of science

Photo by Meg Adams

Antarctica is owned by no one, but there are plenty of countries interested in this frozen island continent at the bottom of the Earth. While there are some regulations on who can do what there, scientific research has no definition in Antarctic law. So any research by a country conducted in or about Antarctica can be interpreted as legitimate Antarctic science.

There are 30 countries operating bases and ships, and flying aircraft to and from runways across the continent. Russia and China have increased their presence in Antarctica over the past decade, with China now reportedly interested in building its first permanent airfield.

It is not surprising there is significant interest in who is doing what, where – especially if countries ramp up their investment in Antarctic infrastructure with new stations, ships or runways. Their actions might raise eyebrows and fuel speculation. But the freedom of countries to behave autonomously is guided by the laws that apply to this sovereign-neutral continent.

Treaties and signatories

There are 12 original signatories to the 1959 Antarctic Treaty,  and they do not have to prove their commitment to the treaty since they wrote the rules. Another 41 countries have signed on since 1959, and they do need to prove commitment. The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) coordinates Antarctic research, but being a member is not a prerequisite for doing Antarctic science.

Currently there is only one jointly operated scientific base – Concordia (WAP MNB-Ø3), occupied by both France and Italy.
The Novolazarevskaya airfield (Blue One runway,  WAP MNB-Ø6) is a joint operation coordinated by Russia. This encouragement was designed to reduce the potential for expansion of the footprint of human activities. In 2017 the Consultative Parties adopted revised guidelines for how to become a decision maker. These outline new rules on a concept that has never been articulated publicly in an Antarctic forum before – evaluating the quality of scientific research. This could put the brakes on the rapid addition of new signatories to the table.

Read more at: https://phys.org/news/2018-10-country-antarctica-science.html