trips to the south pole

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South Pole / Antarctica Tours

Our trips to the South Pole are unforgettable adventures just waiting to happen. Begin your journey in Argentina and make your way through Antarctic icy waters, discovering the region’s wildlife and sights along the way. The scenery in these parts is unlike anything you’ve seen before.

91 Antarctica / South Pole tours with 87 reviews

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica

Amazing. It had been ten years since my last trip on MS Expedition with this company. It is evenbetter now. Superb staff at every level. The itinerary was always subject to the weather but there was always a plan ‘b’ or even ‘c’. Following in the footsteps of Shacleton, Tom Crean etc was brilliant made even better by the experts on board and in the field. The whole trip could not be faulted and for this full credit to all the staff.

• Ocean Cruise

Antarctica Classic

Thanks for everything . Nice and knowlegable staff .

Shackleton's Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica Expedition (Ocean Endeavour)

• Christmas & New Year

Classic Antarctica - 10 days

We can’t say enough good things about this tour, the ship and the crew. Our time on board was fantastic. Our captain had a great deal of experience and we felt completely safe at all times on the ship. The expedition team were knowledgable and friendly, and all the crew from the deck hands to the bridge went out of their way to be helpful and kind. The food was wonderful, the scenery unbelievable and the small passenger group made us all into friends by the end of the journey. If you have ever wanted to visit the White Continent, book your trip on the MV Ushuaia and be prepared to have the experience of a lifetime!!

Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer (Ocean Endeavour)

The trip was incredible! The ship crew and expedition crew were wonderful and helpful. They were kind and accommodating. We got to explore the area and see some amazing animals. It was an unforgettable experience.

Spitsbergen Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway (2025), Operated by Quark

Antarctica, South Georgia and Falkland Islands- Ocean Victory & Ocean Albatros 19D/18N

Basecamp Antarctica

Life Returns - Springtime Expedition to Antarctica (MS Maud, 2024)

King Penguins of the Falklands and South Georgia - Expedition

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Wildlife & Nature Photography

The Great Journey

South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula - Ocean Victory & Ocean Albatros vessels

The crew, the food, the service is wonderful ~~~

Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake, Operated by Quark

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Quark Expeditions. My husband and I did the 'Fly the Drake Passage' Antarctica cruise in January 2020, just before the pandemic. We were blown away by the incredible staff and crew. This trip surpassed ALL of our expecations. If you are looking for a high quality experience with like-minded individuals who love nature, wildlife viewing and adventure, Quark is definitely the company to sail with.

South Georgia Through the Camera Lens

Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands (Start Buenos Aires, End Buenos Aires, 2024-2025)

Antarctica / south pole tour reviews.

It is truly a once in a lifetime experience.

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Fly to the South Pole 2024/2025

Fly to the South Pole, where all 360 lines of longitude meet and in a few steps you can walk around the world. History comes alive as you stand at 90° South, the ultimate goal of polar explorers Amundsen and Scott. Imagine how it felt to head out across the frozen continent and into the unknown over 100 years ago. Feel the spirit of determination and discovery that has inspired a century of Antarctic exploration and scientific research.  Now can you  be one of the selected few that have set foot on the Geographic South Pole. 

Day 00: Arrival Day, Punta Arenas, Chile

Day 0: pre-departure day, luggage pick-up & briefing, day 1: fly to antarctica*.

You will be called at your hotel in the morning to get a update of the current conditions in Antarctica. If the weather is suitable for the flight, you will be picked up at your hotel within the hour. 

At the Punta Arenas airport, you will board the chartered jet for the 4¼ hour fl ight to Antarctica. The route crosses the Drake Passage, then follows the west  side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the spine of the  Ellsworth Mountains. You land on a naturally occurring blue-ice runway on Union Glacier where you will take  your fi rst steps on Antarctica, then c limb aboard one of the specially-adapted vans for the 5 mi (8 km) shuttle to the camp. The staff will provide a welcome tour of the camp and show you to your tent.

*Every effort will be made to keep to the scheduled flight date and you will depart as soon as weather and runway conditions permit. Please understand that delays are common in Antarctic travel. All flights are dependent on weather, aircraft serviceability, and local conditions. The staff will stay in close contact with you and will provide you with regular flight updates.

Day 2-5: Explore Union Glacier

During your week stay in Antarctica, you’ll have multiple days to explore Union Glacier. The meteorologists will carefully monitor the weather conditions and find the best day for your South Pole Flight. A typical day at Union Glacier starts with a briefing after breakfast where you’ll meet with your guide to discuss the day’s options and choose an activity tailored to the weather and the group’s interest. Union Glacier excursions can include any of the following destinations:

Elephant’s Head Ride in one of our vehicles to this dramatic marble buttress overlooking the blue-ice runway. Beautiful ice pools and moraines offer endless opportunities for photography. If you’re looking for something more active, you’ll have the opportunity to hike up to the base of Elephant’s Head or all the way to the top of Rhodes Bluff for panoramic views of Union Glacier and the Heritage Range.

Drake Icefall Named in the 1960s after geologist Benjamin Drake IV, this impressive icefall tumbles off the polar plateau into Union Glacier. Winds from the South Pole carve huge waves into the blue-ice and polish the surface into a high shine.

Charles Peak Windscoop Discover the power of wind on ice as you wander through a sparkling turquoise corridor. If you’re truly adventurous, this is a prime place to try ice climbing with one of our experienced guides. For the less vertically inclined, you can rock hunt to your heart’s content. Just remember to leave them in place, as nothing may be removed from Antarctica.

The Beach at Rossman Cove Another spectacular setting for blue-ice photography and panoramic views! Take cross-country skis with you or a picnic lunch and enjoy Antarctica’s version of a glacial beach getaway.

Hidden Valley The staff’s favorite getaway — this secret canyon opens up to a beautiful valley prime for hiking, climbing, and backcountry skiing.

If you’d prefer to stay closer to camp, there are a variety of activities for all abilities. You can check out a pair of cross-country skis or a fat-tire bike and take a spin around the groomed 10k loop or you can enjoy a cup of tea, an Antarctic book, or fun game in the camp library. In the evenings, lectures are regularly offered and well as films tailored to your experience.

Flexible Flight Day - Fly to the South Pole

Once weather conditions permit, you will board a ski aircraft and head for the southernmost point on Earth! Your flight is planned to return the same day but food and camping equipment will be brought in the event weather conditions change and an overnight stay is necessary. The services team will assist you in packing your sleeping bag.

The flight to the Pole will take between 4-6 hours depending on the aircraft. You’ll fly over the high polar plateau, viewing wind affected snow called sastrugi, crevasse fields, and an endless expanse of white. You’ll pass the Thiel Mountains approximately halfway to the Pole and continue to fly over the plateau. As you near 90° South, you will catch sight of the South Pole station, a cluster of buildings surrounded by snow and sky. The aircraft lands on a groomed ski-way and you’ll deplane near the South Pole marker. Here all 360 lines of longitude meet and beneath your feet the ice is almost 10,000 ft (3000 m) thick!

The United States of America maintains a research station at the South Pole, named Amundsen-Scott Station in memory of those intrepid explorers. If United States Antarctic Program (USAP) staff are available, you will be escorted inside the research station for a guided visit.

Outside the station, you will have plenty of time to take photos at both the Geographic and Ceremonial Poles. Enjoy this special place and imagine how it must have felt to stand here a century ago with only the sound of the wind and an endless expanse of white stretching northward in all directions.

Your visit to the Pole will last approximately 3-4 hours. Given the cold conditions and altitude, this is the perfect amount of time for guests to accomplish their objectives and enjoy the experience.

Day 6: Return to Punta Arenas, Chile

When weather and runway conditions permit, the intercontinental aircraft will arrive at Union Glacier to  transport you back to Chile. The sta ff will meet you at  the airport and transfer you back to your hotel.

Please notice: No two Antarctic experiences are the same. This is part of the excitement and adventure of Antarctic travel. The itinerary above highlights typical activities and experiences. Exact timeline and details will vary from trip to trip. Trip length may vary by departure. Please anticipate delays and do not plan anything important after the trip and make sure you have a changable airline ticket. Allow yourself to enjoy this unique experience without the stress of pending commitments. The trip is operated by Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions. 

Accommodation

Union Glacier Camp

Our main Antarctic base camp lies on the broad expanse of the Union Glacier, in the southern Ellsworth Mountains. We are a short flight from Mt Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica, and just over 600 miles (1000 km) from our nearest neighbors, the South Pole. Majestic peaks rise in all directions, offering scenic excursions, technical climbs and ski tours. At camp there is little wind, providing a comfortable environment to relax and take it all in.

Our double-walled sleeping tents are roomy, comfortable and well suited to Antarctic conditions. Each tent houses two guests who sleep in sleeping bags with mattresses, pillow and linen provided by ANI. The tents are naturally heated by the 24 hour sunlight up to 60°F (15°C). The Dining Tent is the heart of our camp. It has a complete kitchen and dining area and serves as a gathering place to enjoy tea and coffee while discussing the day’s adventures. Our chefs prepare hearty, fresh-cooked meals, baked goods, and tantalizing desserts. Self-serve snacks and beverages are available anytime. We regularly fly in fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, meats, and a variety of beers and Chilean wines from Punta Arenas, Chile.

You’ll be surprised how comfortable Antarctica can be!

Price includes

• Airport transfers in Punta Arenas, Chile
• Round trip flight to Antarctica from Punta Arenas
• Round trip flight to South Pole from Union Glacier, Antarctica
• Meals and tented accommodation in Antarctica
• Antarctic guides and lecturer
• Celebration dinner and Certificate of Achievement
• Checked luggage up to 55 lb (25 kg)

Not included

• Insurance coverage—personal, medical, evacuation, or otherwise
• Commercial flights to and from Punta Arenas
• Airport transfers outside of Punta Arenas
• Meals and accommodation in Punta Arenas
• Additional flights within Antarctica
• Personal equipment and clothing
• Expenses incurred due to delays
• Luggage over 55 lb (25 kg)
• Satellite phone charges

Departures & booking

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or wish to make a reservation.

We respect your privacy. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for full detail.

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• / Expeditions
• / Antarctica
• / South Pole - All the Way

FROZEN SOUTHERN ODYSSEY

South pole - all the way.

Of the ample adventures to dream of in this world, there are very few which appeal to the spirit more than an opportunity to travel unencumbered in the Antarctic continent.

This incredible journey to the southernmost point on earth involves an expedition of up to 66 mesmerising days.

An expedition of unspoiled beauty and isolation not often found in today’s world; this is a highlight trip for those with a healthy work ethic and a genuine sense of adventure! This is anything but an expedition for the lighthearted as it entails vigorous activity for a very extended period.

Once established at the edge of the Antarctic continent, we travel totally non-mechanised, with all team members hauling sledges and becoming fully immersed in the challenge.

This expedition is open to all outdoors people with experience in cold conditions and a background in climbing or backcountry skiing coupled with an ability to be a valuable team member.

• One of the world’s ultimate adventures
• Choose from three route incredible options
• Achieve a truly unique and committing objective
• Incredible vistas to the end of the world

Polar Experience

2,835m/9,301ft

54 to 66 days.

Preparation of food and equipment, review the route and expedition plan, weighing & loading of gear and briefings

Fly to Union Glacier, Antarctica

Acclimatisation and training days

Daily ski touring towards the Thiel Mountains

Expedition ends, depart for home

Prepare food and equipment, review the route and expedition plan, weigh and load gear, briefings

Fly to Messner Start and ski to Thiel Corner Skiway

Ski from Thiel Corner Skiway to the South Pole

Fly to Punta Arenas, Chile

Departures and Pricing

Looking for a specific date? Book a private expedition

An essential ingredient for participants is physical fortitude for working hard in a high-altitude, cold-weather environment, hence each member must be extremely strong and healthy. Team members will haul sleds weighing (initially) around 75kg/165lb of provisions as well as both personal and group equipment. Each day will be long and arduous, and all team members must possess sufficient strength and fitness to be able to contribute to establishing camp, putting up tents, and cook meals after a hard day. This can only be achieved with considerable and focused physical preparation.

Team members must be conversant in winter camping skills which includes putting up tents and camping in the snow and cooking with lightweight mountain stoves. Team members must have a full awareness of their personal parameters in extreme environments such as their food intake and hydration needs, thermo-regulation and avoidance of cold-weather-injury. Participants must have previous polar travel experience or have completed a polar travel course.

Team members must have previous polar travel experience and have completed a polar travel course.

Adventure Consultants is renowned for the quality of its service and strategy applied to high altitude expedition climbing and polar travel. Our reputation is attributed to meticulous planning and experienced logistics coordination. We have a philosophy of investing in every expedition to offer our climbers the best possible chance of success.

We employ strong and specialised Expedition leaders and support staff, whom are some of the most pre-eminent in the industry. We pride ourselves on operating with small teams, the best back-up and support available. This includes nutritious and ample quantities of food, comfortable base camp facilities, reliable communications systems and the necessary medical back up.

Many of our expedition members come to us because they have seen us in action on a previous trip and decide to opt for our level of service and proven experience. Others return because they know we do our very best to make expeditions safe and successful.

The price of your trip includes the following:

• Adventure Consultants guides
• All expedition organisation requirements
• Transport within Antarctica where applicable
• Food and tented accommodation ex Punta Arenas (twin share)
• Expedition food and equipment
• Tents, stoves, sleds & harness
• Dedicated dispatch webpage updated throughout the trip that you can post onto your own website for friends & family to follow
• Transport of 30kg/66lbs of personal equipment to Union Glacier.

By todays standards, skiing All the Way to South Pole is still a considerable achievement !

The days are long, the food preparations hard, the feet and shoulders are sore, and the conditions atrocious. Where do I sign up?

From the outset, we all yearn for the end, but when we arrive there, all we want is for the adventure to start all over again.

Adventure Consultants will help you prepare so you are absolutely ready to begin this great challenge .

"An experience of a lifetime . Thanks!"

"We thought AC was very organized and all the little details were dealt with. AC's staff was excellent. Overall everyone was on top of their job and made our experience unforgettable."

"AC is a first class outfit . They have the right people and knowledge to give their clients the best possible experience."

The Explorer's Grand Slam awaits! Join the exclusive club of explorer's that have climbed the Seven Summits and skied to both the North and South Poles!

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Fly to the South Pole

Stand at the bottom of the earth! The elusive place where every direction you look is north and the sun only rises and sets once a year.

• Expeditions

Visit the Geographic South Pole - Expedition

• Accommodation
• Sample Itinerary

Dates & Rates

Visit the geographic south pole.

Fly to the Geographic South Pole on board a special ski aircraft and set foot on the southernmost point of our planet! It's a dream for many adventurers to stand at the bottom of the earth, where all 360 lines of longitude meet and in a few steps you can walk around the world. During a 6-7 day expedition you will fly from Punta Arenas (Chile) to the continent of Antarctica where you will stay at a base camp for a few days before your flight to the South Pole. Experienced guides will take you on activities to explore the incredible polar wilderness surrounding the camp and you will have plenty of time to enjoy the stunning Antarctic scenery. The highlight of your voyage will be your visit to the Geographic South Pole, one of the most remote places on earth that only a few people ever get to visit. Embrace this exclusive opportunity to camp overnight and wake up at 90° South, a once in a lifetime experience!

There are several different expeditions that include a visit to the South Pole. Depending on your choice, you will either stay at Union Glacier Camp or at Three Glaciers Retreat, from where you will fly to the South Pole. One day visits to the Pole will last approximately 3-4 hours, multiple day visits include an overnight stay.

Fly to the Antarctic continent

Your South Pole expedition starts in Punta Arenas (Chile). We advise you to arrive in Punta Arenas two days early so you can relax and fully prepare yourself for the expedition. Don't forget to check your luggage upon arrival in case you forgot something and need to buy it. The night before you leave for Antarctica you will be invited to a welcome and safety meeting to prepare you for arrival at Union Glacier. Afterwards you'll have some time to meet the other expeditioners. Keep in mind that the exact departure of the airplane to and from Antarctica is flexible due to the potential for weather delays. The plane can only fly when weather and runway conditions permit. The flight to the Antarctic continent will take around 4,5 hours. You land on Union Glacier where the Antarctic beauty and remoteness will hit you right from the moment you step out the plane. The camp is situated on a 5,000 ft (1500 m) thick glacier, surrounded by mountains and 1859 miles (2991 km) away from the nearest civilization.

Union Glacier Camp or Three Glaciers Retreat

You will spend the first few days of your expedition on Antarctica either at Union Glacier Camp or Three Glaciers Retreat. Upon arrival, the staff will provide a welcome tour of the camp and will show you to your tent. During your stay you will get to explore the unique landscapes surrounding the camp and you can be as active as you like. Every day there will be various options for activities ranging from 'easy' to 'moderate' activity level. For example, you can take a long guided hike, go cross-country skiing, hop in one of the tracked vehicles for a scenic drive or take a fatbike for a ride around camp. There are several spectacular places for blue-ice photography and panoramic views! Like Drake Icefall, an impressive icefall shaped into huge blue-ice waves, or the dramatic marble mountain 'Elephant’s Head', overlooking the blue-ice runway. The Beach at Rossman Cove is yet another incredible place for you to visit! Take cross-country skis with you or a picnic lunch and enjoy Antarctica’s version of an afternoon at the beach. From Three Glaciers Retreat there are also several options for downhill skiing and snowboarding! In the evenings, there are regular lectures and films tailored to your experience.

Visiting the South Pole

The flight to the South Pole will take between 4-6 hours and will certainly be one of the most unique flights you'll ever take. Flying high over the polar plateau you'll see vast fields of crevasses, wind affected snow and an endless expanse of white. As you approach 90° South, the South Pole station comes into view. A cluster of buildings surrounded by snow and sky. The aircraft will land near the South Pole marker where all 360 lines of longitude meet beneath your feet. Standing here means you have joined an exclusive group of people who made it this far south! You will of course have plenty of time to take photos at the Geographic and Ceremonial Pole, the famous place with all flags of the Antarctic Treaty members. If staff are available, you will also get a guided tour of the research station. Be prepared for extreme cold and the effects of altitude. The ice at the South Pole is almost 10,000 ft (3000 m) thick! This might cause some shortness of breath and a mild headache. Depending on your exact expedition, you will either return to Union Glacier Camp on the same day, or spend the night camping on the South Pole. The camp is situated 0.6 mi (1 km) from the research station and offers the incredible opportunity to sleep where the sun only rises and sets once a year!

Return to base camp

Flight back to punta arenas, base camp - union glacier.

Base Camp - Three Glaciers Retreat

If you are looking for a bit more comfort and luxury, Three Glaciers is the ideal base camp. This exclusive retreat is tucked away deep in the interior of Antarctica at the head of three glaciers. The comfortable accomodations offer place to just 16 guests. Three suites feature king beds and five suites are outfitted with two extra-long twin beds. All are heated and equipped with a sitting area, a charging station for personal electronics, and plenty of space to store polar gear. Enjoy incredible unobstructed views from your private patio, as the eight suites are perfectly alligned in a half circle like a giant sundial. The dining room and lounge are the heart of the camp. Here your private chef creates original dishes with fresh ingredients flown in from Chile. At Three Glaciers Retreat you can participate in snowmobiling, hiking, climbing, and even skiing. Just behind Three Glaciers lies the perfect hill for a quick ski or snowboard ride. The options for exploration are almost endless and the experienced guides will design daily adventures to match each group’s pursuits.

South Pole Camp

The tented camp at the South Pole is designed to provide as much comfort and security as possible in this extreme environment. The double-walled tents are heated and have padded sleeping mats and pillows. There are toilets at the South Pole Camp which are housed in a tent but there are no showers. Meals are prepared by one of the chefs and can include breakfasts of pancakes, bacon, and oatmeal, lunches of warm soups and cold meats and cheeses, afternoon snacks, and fantastic evening meals. Beverages include hot drinks, juice, beer and wine. Meals are served in a large heated dining tent and are open to expedition groups and guests to enjoy together.

Call us today on +31 (0) 858 771 583

Places on these exclusive South Pole Expeditions are very limited. Please contact us for more information and availability.

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90° 0′ 0″ s.

This luxury adventure takes you into the heart of Antarctica to see the Emperor Penguins. Then it's on to the southernmost point on earth – the South Pole!

33º 58’ 00” S 18º 36’ 00” E

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Start Point: Cape Town, South Africa.

We will host a safety briefing the day before the flight where our staff will welcome you. We will also update you on the latest weather forecasts in Antarctica and assist with any last-minute preparations.

South Africa to Antarctica

On the flight from Cape Town, you will pass into the Antarctic Circle and into 24 hours of continuous sunshine. The Airbus A340 (or similar) or private jet will be equipped with return range. All carbon is offset with fully accredited projects.

THE GEOGRAPHIC SOUTH POLE

Even now, reaching the southernmost point on earth is a feat that very few people have achieved. During the seven-hour flight, we land on the polar plateau to refuel, and you will have a chance to walk around this vast, foreboding wilderness getting a real taste for the immense scale of Antarctica.

Back on board, we continue to the South Pole, landing at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole station. At the designated marker, you will be at the lowest point on earth. A place with no more East, South or West – only North and you will be able to walk around the world in just a few paces!

70º 38’ 16” S 8o 15’ 45” W

EMPEROR PENGUINS

Two hours flight via Basler BT-67 from our main camp and you are at a site of more than 14,000 penguins and their young chicks.

Both are totally unafraid of humans and will come within a few meters of our group, immersing you in the noise, commotion and the sheer beauty of it all. This is one of the greatest, and yet least seen, wildlife events on the planet.

Accommodation

White Desert’s uniquely located camps are designed to be easily dismantled and removed, leaving no trace on the pristine environment. Guests can choose to stay at either Whichaway, an oasis of luxury overlooking freshwater lakes, or Echo, where the lunar-landscape feels like being on another planet.

Compare our two camps below

Whichaway is our flagship luxury camp and sits on the shores of one of the freshwater lakes of the ice-free Schirmacher Oasis. We’ve designed 6 heated ‘polar pods’ with cutting-edge exteriors and old-world interiors that conjure up images of Antarctica’s rich heritage of exploration. A warm and inviting c ommunal area with lounge, library and dining room is the ideal setting to relax and recount the day’s activities with friends.

Activities Around Camp

Ice tunnels, nunatak climb, mighty abseil, ice climbing, rock climbing, adventurers picnic, polar talks.

Inspired by the seminal age of Space exploration, Echo sits in quiet solitude encircled by pitted rock formations. Echo is as close as you can get to feeling like you’re off the planet without leaving Earth. The space-age design of the ‘Sky Pods’ makes them look like they’ve been beamed down from Mars. Futuristic and luxurious, the six bedrooms are created from composite fiberglass with floor to ceiling windows allowing guests to soak in the moon-like landscape beyond.

Nunatak Tour

Ice climbing, skidoo tour, explorers traverse, mountaineering expeditions, iconic climbing, stay in touch.

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Eric Philips OAM is an Australian adventurer dedicated to exploring the vast icescapes that typify our polar regions. His outdoor career spans more than 30 years during which time he has worked professionally as an explorer, outdoor educator, musician and IPGA Polar Expedition Guide .

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South Pole Holidays

The South Pole, also known as the Geographic South Pole or Terrestrial South Pole, is the southernmost point on the surface of the Earth with the Antarctic continent. It is the site of the US Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, which was established in 1956 and has been permanently staffed since that date.

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South pole adventure.

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Follow in Amundsen's footsteps journeying to the harsh yet iconic South Pole.

The Geographic South Pole is defined for most purposes as one of two points where the earth’s axis of rotation intersects its surface (the other being the Geographic North Pole). The projection of the Geographic South Pole onto the celestial sphere gives the south celestial pole.

The Ceremonial South Pole is an area set aside for photo opportunities at the South Pole Station. It is located a short distance from the Geographic South Pole, and consists of a metallic sphere on a plinth, surrounded by the flags of the Antarctic Treaty signatories.

The ceremonial marker is not moved each year, so its position relative to the Geographical South Pole slowly changes over time as it drifts with the ice.

The first humans to reach the Geographic South Pole were Norwegian Roald Amundsen and his party on December 14, 1911. Amundsen named his camp Polheim and the entire plateau surrounding the Pole Haakon VII’s Vidde in honour of King Haakon VII of Norway. Amundsen’s competitor Robert Falcon Scott, with four other men from the Terra Nova Expedition, reached the Pole a month later. On the return trip Scott and his four companions all died of starvation and extreme cold. In 1914 British explorer Ernest Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition set out with the goal of crossing Antarctica via the South Pole, but his ship the Endurance, was frozen in pack-ice and sank 11 months later.

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The South Pole is the southernmost point on Earth. It is located on Antarctica, one of the planet's seven continents.

Earth Science, Geology, Geography, Physical Geography, Social Studies, World History

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The South Pole is the southernmost point on Earth. It is the precise point of the southern intersection of Earth's axis and Earth's surface. From the South Pole, all directions are north. Its latitude is 90 degrees south, and all lines of longitude meet there (as well as at the North Pole ). The South Pole is located on Antarctica , one of Earth's seven continents . Although land at the South Pole is only about a hundred meters above sea level , the ice sheet above it is roughly 2,700-meters (9,000-feet) thick. This elevation makes the South Pole much colder than the North Pole, which sits in the middle of the Arctic Ocean. In fact, the warmest temperature ever recorded at the South Pole was a freezing -12.3 degrees Celsius (9.9 degrees Fahrenheit). The South Pole is close to the coldest place on Earth. The coldest temperature recorded at the South Pole, -82.8 degrees Celsius (-117.0 degrees Fahrenheit), is still warmer than the coldest temperature ever recorded, -89.2 degrees Celsius (-128.6 degrees Fahrenheit). That temperature was recorded at the Russian Vostok Research Station , about 1,300 kilometers (808 miles) away. Because Earth rotates on a tilted axis as it revolves around the sun, sunlight is experienced in extremes at the poles. In fact, the South Pole experiences only one sunrise (at the September equinox ) and one sunset (at the March equinox) every year. From the South Pole, the sun is always above the horizon in the summer and below the horizon in the winter. This means the region experiences up to 24 hours of sunlight in the summer and 24 hours of darkness in the winter. Due to plate tectonics , the exact location of the South Pole is constantly moving. Plate tectonics is the process of large slabs of Earth's crust moving slowly around the planet, bumping into and pulling apart from one another. Over billions of years, Earth's continents have shifted together and drifted apart. Millions of years ago, land that today is the east coast of South America was at the South Pole. Today, the ice sheet above the South Pole drifts about 10 meters (33 feet) every year. Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station Compared to the North Pole, the South Pole is relatively easy to travel to and study. The North Pole is in the middle of the Arctic Ocean, while the South Pole is on a stable piece of land. The United States has had scientists working at Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station since 1956. Between 50 and 200 scientists and support staff live at the this research station at any given time. The station itself does not sit on the ground or ice sheet. It is able to adjust its elevation, to prevent it from being buried in snow, which accumulates at a rate of about 20 centimeters (eight inches) every year, and does not melt. In the winter, the Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station is completely self-sufficient . The dark sky, freezing temperatures, and gale -force winds prevent most supplies from being flown or trekked in. All food, medical supplies, and other material must be secured before the long Antarctic winter. The station's energy is provided by three enormous generators that run on jet fuel. In winter, stores of food are supplemented by the Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station's greenhouse. Vegetables in the greenhouse are grown with hydroponics , in a nutrient solution instead of soil. Some of the earliest discoveries made at South Pole research stations helped support the theory of continental drift , the idea that continents drift apart and shift together. Rock samples collected near the South Pole and throughout Antarctica match samples dated to the same time period collected at tropical latitudes. Geologists conclude that the samples formed at the same time and the same place, and were torn apart over millions of years, as the planet split into different continents. Today, the Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station is host to a wide variety of research. The relatively undisturbed ice sheet maintains a pristine record of snowfalls, air quality, and weather patterns. Ice cores provide data for glaciologists, climatologists, and meteorologists , as well as scientists tracking patterns in climate change . The South Pole has low temperatures and humidity and high elevation, making it an outstanding place to study astronomy and astrophysics . The South Pole Telescope studies low-frequency radiation , such as microwaves and radio waves . The South Pole Telescope is one of the instruments designed measure the cosmic microwave background (CMB) –faint, diffuse radiation left over from the Big Bang . Astrophysicists also search for tiny particles called neutrinos at the South Pole. Neutrinos interact very, very weakly with all other matter. Neutrino detectors therefore must be very large to detect a measurable number of the particles. The Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station's IceCube Neutrino Detector has more than 80 "strings" of sensors reaching as deep as 2,450 meters (8,038 feet) beneath the ice. It is the largest neutrino detector in the world. Ecosystems at the South Pole Although the Antarctic coast is teeming with marine life, few biologists conduct research at the Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station. The habitat is far too harsh for most organisms to survive. In fact, the South Pole sits in the middle of the largest, coldest, driest, and windiest desert on Earth. More temperate parts of this desert (called either East Antarctica or Maudlandia) support native flora such as moss and lichen, and organisms such as mites and midges. The South Pole itself has no native plant or animal life at all. Sometimes, however, seabirds such as skuas can be spotted if they are blown off-course. Exploration The early 20th century's "Race to the Pole" stands as a symbol of the harrowing nature of polar exploration. European and American explorers had attempted to reach the South Pole since British Capt. Robert Falcon Scott 's expedition of 1904. Scott, along with fellow Antarctic explorers Ernest Shackleton and Edward Wilson, came within 660 kilometers (410 miles) of the pole, but turned back due to weather and inadequate supplies. Shackleton and Scott were determined to reach the pole. Scott worked with scientists, intent on using the best techniques to gather data and collect samples. Shackleton also conducted scientific surveys, although his expeditions were more narrowly focused on reaching the South Pole. He came within 160 kilometers (100 miles) of the pole in 1907, but again had to turn back due to weather. Scott gathered public support and public funding for his 1910 Terra Nova expedition. He secured provisions and scientific equipment. In addition to the sailors and scientists on his team, the Terra Nova expedition also included tourists —guests who helped finance the voyage in exchange for taking part in it. On the way to Antarctica, the Terra Nova expedition stopped in Australia to take on final supplies. Here, Scott received a surprising telegram from Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen : "Beg leave to inform you Fram [Amundsen's ship] proceeding Antarctic." Amundsen was apparently racing for the pole, ahead of Scott, but had kept all preparation secret. His initial ambition, to be the first to reach the North Pole, had been thwarted by American explorers Frederick Cook and Robert Peary , both of whom claimed to reach the North Pole first. (Both claims are now disputed, and Amundsen's flight over the North Pole is generally recognized as the first verified journey there.) The Terra Nova and Fram expeditions arrived in Antarctica about the same time, in the middle of the Antarctic summer (January). They set up base camps about 640 kilometers (400 miles) apart. As they proceeded south, both expeditions established resupply depots with supplies for their return journey. While Scott's team stuck to a route forged by Shackleton years earlier, Amundsen took a new route. Scott proceeded with scientific and expeditionary equipment hauled by dogs, ponies, and motor sledges. The motorized equipment soon broke down, and the ponies could not adapt to the harsh Antarctic climate. Even the sled dogs became weary. All the ponies died, and most members of the expedition turned back. Only four men from the Terra Nova expedition (including Scott's friend Wilson) proceeded with Scott to the pole. Amundsen traveled by dogsled , with a team of explorers, skiers, and mushers . The foresight and navigation paid off: Amundsen reached the pole in December 1911. He called the camp Polheim, and the entire Fram expedition successfully returned to their resupply depots, ship, and Norway. More than a month later, Scott reached the South Pole, only to be met by Amundsen's camp—he had left a tent, equipment, and supplies for Scott, as well as a note for the King of Norway to be delivered if the Fram expedition failed to make it back. Disheartened, Scott's team slowly headed back north. They faced colder temperatures and harsher weather than Amundsen's team. They had fewer supplies. Suffering from hunger, hypothermia , and frostbite , all members of Scott's South Pole expedition died fewer than 18 kilometers (11 miles) from a resupply depot. American explorer Richard E. Byrd became the first person to fly over the South Pole, in 1926, and the Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station was established 30 years later. However, the next overland expedition to the South Pole was not made until 1958, more than 40 years after Amundsen and Scott's deadly race. The 1958 expedition was led by legendary New Zealand mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary, who had become the first person to scale Mount Everest in 1953. Transportation to the South Pole Almost all scientists and support personnel, as well as supplies, are flown in to the South Pole. Hardy military aircraft usually fly from McMurdo Station, an American facility on the Antarctic coast and the most populated area on the continent. The extreme and unpredictable weather around the pole can often delay flights. In 2009, the U.S. completed construction of the South Pole Traverse. Also called the McMurdo-South Pole Highway, this stretch of unpaved road runs more than 1,600 kilometers (995 miles) over the Antarctic ice sheet, from McMurdo Station to the Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station. It takes about 40 days for supplies to reach the pole from McMurdo, but the route is far more reliable and inexpensive than air flights. The highway can also supply much heavier equipment (such as that needed by the South Pole's astrophysics laboratories) than aircraft. Resources and Territorial Claims The entire continent of Antarctica has no official political boundaries. Seven countries made defined claims to Antarctic territory prior to the Antarctic Treaty of 1959, which does not legally recognize any claims.

Cold and Lonely Highway The South Pole Traverse is not paved. The highway was created by filling in deep crevasses in the Antarctic ice sheet. The only vehicles on the highway are specialized tractors equipped with specialized towing sleds.

Tradition of Horror The few "winter-overs" at Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station have an annual tradition. After the last supply plane has left the facility (not to return for six months), they watch two movies: The Thing (about a parasitic alien being terrorizing an Antarctic research facility) and The Shining (about a caretaker isolated at a remote hotel in the winter).

No Time at the Poles Time is calculated using longitude. For instance, when the sun seems directly overhead, the local time is about noon. However, all lines of longitude meet at the poles, and the sun is only overhead twice a year (at the equinoxes.) For this reason, scientists and explorers at the poles record time-related data using whatever time zone they want.

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October 19, 2023

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China set to launch high-stakes mission to moon's 'hidden' side

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• China expected to launch Chang'e-6 lunar mission this week
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China set to launch spacecraft on round trip to the Moon, return with lunar soil

This will be the first of three missions designed to set the stage for a manned lunar landing and the establishment of a base at the moon's south pole by 2030..

Listen to Story

• The upcoming mission targets the moon's far side
• It is referred to as its "hidden" side due to its permanent orientation away from Earth
• The mission's significance extends beyond technological prowess

China is set to launch the Chang'e-6 mission, a robotic spacecraft aimed at collecting samples from the moon's far side.

This will be the first of three missions designed to set the stage for a manned lunar landing and the establishment of a base at the moon's south pole by 2030.

Scheduled for launch this week, Chang'e-6 will utilise the backup spacecraft from the successful 2020 Chang'e-5 mission, which was the first to bring back lunar samples to Earth in over four decades. The upcoming mission targets the moon's far side, often referred to as its "hidden" side due to its permanent orientation away from Earth, making direct communication impossible.

To overcome this challenge, Chang'e-6 will rely on the Queqiao-2, a relay satellite recently positioned in lunar orbit.

This satellite will facilitate communications for the mission's expected duration of 53 days, which includes an unprecedented ascent from the moon's far side — a manoeuvre never before attempted.

The mission's significance extends beyond technological prowess; it also underscores China's strategic lunar ambitions and its commitment to international cooperation. Despite the absence of collaboration with Nasa, due to US legal restrictions, China has included scientific payloads from France, Italy, Sweden, and Pakistan in the Chang'e-6 mission.

Future missions, Chang'e-7 and Chang'e-8, are set to carry instruments from Russia, Switzerland, and Thailand as they explore the lunar south pole for water resources and begin outpost construction.

Chang'e-6 aims to land in the northeastern region of the South Pole-Aitken Basin, the oldest and largest recognized impact basin on the moon. This area is of particular scientific interest because it has been less affected by volcanic activity that obscures older geological features on the moon's near side. By returning samples from this area, scientists hope to gain insights into the early evolution of the moon and, by extension, the inner solar system.

The mission's success could provide critical data on the moon's composition and geologic history, offering new clues about the celestial body that has captivated human imagination for centuries.

As Leonard David, author of "Moon Rush: The New Space Race," notes, "If successful, China's Chang'e-6 mission would be a milestone-making event. The robotic reach to the Moon's far side, and bringing specimens back to Earth, helps fill in the blanks about the still-murky origin of our Moon."

As global interest in lunar exploration intensifies, with various nations and private entities aiming for the moon, China's Chang'e-6 mission represents a significant step forward in understanding our closest celestial neighbour. Published By: Sibu Kumar Tripathi Published On: Apr 29, 2024