There is no land mass on Earth less hospitable, less explored, and more mysterious than Antarctica.
The continent at our south pole is 1.5 the size of the continental United States, yet 98% of its surface is covered in ice, and its interior hosts an average temperature under -70 degrees Fahrenheit. Many have died trying to explore its mysteries, but those who survive get to witness one of the last untouched places on Earth.
Here are 26 ice-cold photos of Antarctica.
1
“Just came back from Antarctica.”
3
“Getting directions from the locals.”
4
Ice formations in Antarctica that look like ice walls, columns, and an archway.
5
Tiny Russian Orthodox church in Antarctica.
6
The waters of Antarctica.
7
Annual softball tournament, McMurdo Station, Ross Island, Antarctica.
8
Research Base in Antarctica.
9
NASA image of a perfectly rectangular iceberg in Antarctica.
10
The Night Sky outside of a research station in Antarctica.
11
An extremely rare flipped over iceberg in Antarctica.
12
Shackleton’s ship Endurance, Antarctica, August 27, 1915. It lay locked in the Weddell Sea in Antarctica, where it finally sank.
13
A landed shooting star.
14
1910, Antarctica. This photo was taken by the British Terra Nova Expedition, before their entire polar team perished on the way back from the South Pole to their ship.
15
“My friend works in Antarctica.”
17
Exploring a cavern in an ice wall near Commonwealth Bay, Antarctica, 1912.
18
A 2021 solar eclipse in Antarctica.
19
The 'Dry Valley' of Antarctica hasn't had rain for over 2 million years, and is the closest of any terrestrial environment to the planet Mars.
20
Pic of noodles at -60°C: Concordia research station, Antarctica.
21
Blood Falls, Antarctica. A naturally occurring plume of saltwater that is blood red thanks to its high iron oxide content.
22
Wind Turbine against the Aurora Australis at Mawson station, Antarctica.
24
Antarctica snow cruiser, 1940.
