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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Antarctica

39 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Antarctica

Updated April 2, 2025

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Polar Week 11
Ecosystems 7
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Natural Wonders 6
Geology 5
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Stories About Antarctica

Published by the British Antarctic Survey in March 2025, Bedmap3 is the highest-resolution map ever made of the geologic underworld beneath Antarctica’s ice sheets.

This Is the Most Detailed Map of Antarctica Ever Made

Scientists compiled decades of data to reveal the continent hiding beneath millions of miles of ice.
by Robin George Andrews
For the last 30 years, Ivan the Terra Bus has dutifully transported people between Antarctica’s airfields and research stations. The 2024–25 summer season marked Ivan’s final days on the ice.

One Last Ride for Antarctica’s 'Ivan the Terra Bus'

After more than 30 years as an iconic fixture of the polar research station, this beloved bus is bidding farewell to the southern continent.
by Allegra Rosenberg
These unassuming lichens growing on rocks in Antarctica may have a sexy secret.

The Secret Sex Lives of Lichens

Researchers found these dusty clumps of green and brown may be hiding how they get it on.
by Roxanne Hoorn
Antarctic midges are flightless and about the size of a sugar ant.

Antarctica's Largest Native Land Animal Is Actually Rather Tiny

Meet the mighty midge.
by Cara Giaimo
These spectacular granite peaks in the Transantarctic Mountains crop out in a pointy circle known as the Gothic Mountains, midway down the east side of Scott Glacier. The region was first explored in 1933 and 1934

One Man’s 40-Year Quest to Capture Antarctica’s Mountains

Polar explorer Edmund Stump has made 13 field trips to research and photograph the southern continent.
by Edmund Stump
Each air bubble says so much about life and death on Earth.

Gas Trapped in Antarctic Ice Recorded the Mass Death of 56 Million People

Plagues, war, and genocide were literally frozen in time.
by Meg St-Esprit
The first men to explore Antarctica tried to be tough by writting silly stories.

Antarctic Explorers Wrote Cute, Funny Stories to Hide Dangerous Stunts

Eventually, even imagined mushroom fantasy lands could no longer mask the perils.
by Allegra Rosenberg
And you thought yellow snow was bad.

The Strange Case of Antarctica’s Red and Green Snow

It’s not a Christmas trick, but the colorful effect could change everything.
by Frank Jacobs

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