2018 news
![Emperor penguins peering at the camera on the ice](/site/assets/files/23676/emperor-penguins.600x400.jpg)
2018 — what an ice year!
Selfie-taking emperor penguins, a headless chicken monster and film star Sam Neill, its been another amazing year for the… Read more
![Expeditioners sitting around a table enjoying Christmas lunch](/site/assets/files/23673/rs56080_2-christmas-lunch-brian-jury.600x400.jpg)
On the Christmas menu in Antarctica
Since the earliest days of Antarctic exploration, the food and festivity of Christmas has been an important morale booster for… Read more
![A panoramic view taken from Davis station of the sun low over Prydz Bay, with the Aurora Australis and a hagglund in view.](/site/assets/files/23668/midnights-perpetual-sunset.600x514.jpg)
Marking the midnight sun in Antarctica
Antarctic expeditioners are reaching for their eye masks as the summer… Read more
![Group of team members outside AIRBOX on ship](/site/assets/files/23662/dsc_9486.600x514.jpg)
Seeding southern clouds
A mobile air chemistry lab called AIRBOX is hitching a ride on Australia’s… Read more
![The front of bridge consoles arranged for a factory acceptance test in Norway.](/site/assets/files/23658/bridge-front-panorama.600x514.jpg)
Building a bridge
The bridge of Antarctic icebreaker RSV Nuyina has come a long way from a… Read more
![Expeditioner in a tracked over-snow vehicle called a Hägglunds](/site/assets/files/23653/rs60731.600x514.jpg)
Join the A-list
Join the A-list and experience astonishing Antarctica! Read more
![Aurora Australis](/site/assets/files/23648/20181023-aurora-symphony-poster.600x514.jpg)
Aurora Australis sails to icy symphony
A celebrity composer is aboard Australia’s icebreaker, Aurora Australis… Read more
![The new Director of the Australian Antarctic Division, Mr Kim Ellis](/site/assets/files/23644/kim-ellis.600x514.jpg)
New Director of Australian Antarctic Division
A new Director of the Australian Antarctic Division has been announced by… Read more
![Man in snow](/site/assets/files/23634/rs56116_001_nick-gales-at-casey_adam-roberts.600x514.jpg)
Dr Nick Gales ends unique Antarctic journey
The Director of the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), Dr Nick Gales… Read more
![Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba)](/site/assets/files/23638/brett-wilks.600x514.jpg)
Natural born krillers
A special delivery of 10,000 live Antarctic krill arrived in Hobart today… Read more
![An iceberg against a pink sunset.](/site/assets/files/23630/iceberg-on-v1_jeff-miller.600x514.jpeg)
Australian Antarctic Medal nominations open
Nominations are now invited for people who have made an outstanding… Read more
![The Nuyina in the wet dock crowned with a crows nest, 32 metre-long navigation bridge and science observation deck.](/site/assets/files/52303/nav-bridge.600x514.jpg)
Navigation bridge tops icebreaker
The crows nest, navigation bridge and science observation deck have been… Read more
![A black and white photo of a vintage aircraft frame in Antarctica.](/site/assets/files/23627/01_mawsons-vickers-monoplane_john-hunter.600x514.jpg)
Celebrating 90 years of Antarctic aviation
Today marks the 90th anniversary of the first powered flight over… Read more
![Jessica Ericson at the microscope in the Antarctic Division’s krill laboratory.](/site/assets/files/23612/02-jess-ericson-with-krill_wendy-pyper.600x514.jpg)
Antarctic krills’ secret weapon against ocean acidification
Adult Antarctic krill have a secret weapon for survival in a high carbon… Read more
![The LIDAR instrument lighting the sky above Australia’s Davis research station](/site/assets/files/23602/auroraaustralis_lidarnickroden.600x514.jpg)
Lasering the secrets of super-cooled clouds
An intense green laser beam will soon be probing the atmosphere above… Read more
![An expeditioner lowers a plankton sampling device into the Southern Ocean from the trawl deck of the Aurora Australis.](/site/assets/files/23622/img_0134.600x514.jpg)
An Antarctic silk-and-plankton sandwich
The Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) traps plankton swimming in the… Read more
![The Nuyina’s name panel is in place above the watertight hull, as other components of the superstructure (area above the hull) are being prepared for installation.](/site/assets/files/23606/dsc_2626.600x514.jpg)
Ship superstructure on the rise
Since Australia’s new icebreaker, RSV Nuyina, was moved to a wet dock in… Read more
![A green phytoplankton cell covered with round blue spores.](/site/assets/files/23618/untitled.600x514.jpg)
Microscopic plankton-assassin dominates Antarctic ocean
The Southern Ocean is swarming with plankton-killing parasites, according… Read more
![Air bubbles in a thin section of an ice core](/site/assets/files/23598/rs33149_bubbles-trapped-in-ice-core-depth-130m_h-lpr.600x514.jpg)
Antarctic ice mission seeks mystery molecules that scrub sky
A world-first international mission will build a temporary lab on the… Read more
![A bulbous, red marine creature with a webbed swimming fin resembling a collar.](/site/assets/files/23594/13_headless-chicken-monster-noaa.600x514.jpg)
Underwater cameras light the way for Southern Ocean conservation
New underwater camera technology developed by Australian researchers is… Read more
![The ship in the wet dock being prepared to move out into the River Danube.](/site/assets/files/23590/01-dsc_2688.600x514.jpg)
Antarctic icebreaker takes a turn
Australia’s new Antarctic icebreaker RSV Nuyina has been turned in the wet… Read more
![Italy’s Mario Zucchelli station at McMurdo Sound in Antarctica](/site/assets/files/23585/3-mzs_enea.600x514.jpg)
First sea-ice landing near Italian station for Australia’s Antarctic Airbus
In a first for the Australian Antarctic Program, Australia’s Airbus will… Read more
![Icebreaker Aurora Australis in the sea ice](/site/assets/files/23582/rs9036_auroraaustralis_sz_aad.600x514.jpg)
Antarctic drama brought to life on the small screen
The first television drama series set at an Australian Antarctic research… Read more
![Graphic showing the location of the new station relative to the existing one.](/site/assets/files/23575/02-masterplan-graphic1.600x514.jpg)
Virtual sense of Macquarie Island space and place
Macquarie Island research station is undergoing a grand re-design to… Read more
![Alien icescape in Antarctica](/site/assets/files/23568/rs24012_jd-171-2.600x514.jpg)
Virtual Space Station
AAD is trialling a mental health tool-kit designed for Antarctic… Read more
![Expeditioners save a mock patient from the flames](/site/assets/files/23564/img_5024.600x514.jpg)
Fire and ice
Fire is a constant risk on Australia’s Antarctic stations, with the… Read more
![A carpet of green moss in Antarctica](/site/assets/files/23560/pic1-aspa135_sharonrobinson.600x514.jpg)
Mosses on the move: Rapid changes in Antarctica’s Daintree
A new study has found sudden and dramatic changes in East Antarctica’s… Read more
![The Nuyina in her final position in the wet dock.](/site/assets/files/23555/15-final-positiondsc_2482_mj-.600x514.jpg)
Antarctic icebreaker afloat
Australia’s new Antarctic icebreaker, RSV Nuyina, is now floating, after… Read more
![Expeditioners at Australia’s Casey research station preparing for C-17A Globemaster III airdrop](/site/assets/files/23551/1_airdrop_aad.600x514.jpg)
Airdrop ensures Australia’s Antarctic runway opens on schedule
An airdrop of essential mechanical equipment will ensure Australia’s… Read more
![||](/site/assets/files/23550/20180914-expeditioner-training-copy.600x514.jpg)
Expeditioners prepare for life on the ice
A new batch of Antarctic expeditioners are descending on the Australian… Read more
![A box containing electronics that collect data sitting on the ground surrounded by small rocks in the Vestfold Hills](/site/assets/files/23542/iso3-infrasound-array-and-vault_sara-pearce.600x514.jpg)
Nuclear monitoring facility operational
A new Infrasound Facility that monitors nuclear explosions in the… Read more
![Portrait of man](/site/assets/files/23538/rs60327.600x514.jpg)
Embarking on extreme leadership
A passion for leading teams in extreme conditions is driving our new… Read more
![Tents pitched on the Antarctic ice sheet with a solar halo in the sky](/site/assets/files/23533/rs714.600x514.jpg)
Ancient ice quest harnesses heavy horsepower
Australia’s ground transport capability in Antarctica is set for a… Read more
![The White Spark Pictures crew prepare to board a helicopter to fly to the Sorsdal Glacier.](/site/assets/files/23528/rs59788.600x514.jpg)
Antarctica in Virtual Reality
The full wonder, fascination and mystery of the icy continent is being… Read more
![Dr Nick Gales with the RAAF C-17A Globemaster III in the background at Australia’s Wilkins Aerodrome](/site/assets/files/23525/rs36634_dr-nick-gales.600x514.jpg)
Australian Antarctic Division Director to retire
The Director of the Australian Antarctic Division, Dr Nick Gales, has… Read more
![Man wearing a hat covering ears](/site/assets/files/23521/rs40176_2312-d3.600x514.jpg)
Antarctic community mourns loss of science leader
The Australian Antarctic Division has paid tribute to a former Chief… Read more
![Snow covered island](/site/assets/files/23515/rs30583_cmattcurnock2012-1513_mr-scr.600x514.jpg)
Sealers, shipwrecks and survivors inspire new names on sub-Antarctic island
Prominent features along the rugged shore of sub-Antarctic Heard Island… Read more
![Children look at the LEGO model of an icebreaking ship.](/site/assets/files/23278/img_1713.600x514.jpg)
A taste of Antarctica
Antarctica came to Hobart in August with Australian Antarctic Program… Read more
![track map](/site/assets/files/23511/figure_1a.600x514.jpg)
Hungry humpbacks stop for snacks during migration south
Satellite tracking data has identified new warm water feeding areas for… Read more
![Artist's impression of RSV Nuyina in Antarctica.](/site/assets/files/52382/render_of_icebreaker_2.600x514.jpg)
Virtual icebreaker videos
Take a look at some of the Nuyina's interior with these virtual… Read more
![Electronics technician with penguin monitoring remote camera and Adelie penguin nesting nearby](/site/assets/files/23506/rs27488_kym-in-field-with-penguincam-at-welch-island-pjs-7841-scr.600x514.jpg)
Antarctic game changers — MacGyver style
Take a sneak peek inside the Division’s electronics lab where… Read more
![The 7 metre long yellow autonomous underwater vehicle on a trailer backing into Lake St Clair.](/site/assets/files/23503/p8090165_auv-on-trailer-near-water.600x514.jpg)
Lime green submarine prepares for first Antarctic mission
A high-tech lime green submarine was tested in Australia’s deepest lake… Read more
![Women sitting on a mountain with island and water behind](/site/assets/files/23499/pms-mqi-1992.600x514.jpg)
Inspirational scientist awarded Phillip Law Medal
A scientist with a passion for sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island has been… Read more
![Davis research station’s Trusty Rusty.](/site/assets/files/23495/trusty-rusty.600x514.png)
Antarctic 48 hour film festival
Ice, camera, action — each year expeditioners wintering in Antarctica put… Read more
![An artist’s impression of the Nuyina beside the Aurora Australis in Hobart.](/site/assets/files/23489/aa_nuyina_collage_2-lores.600x514.jpg)
Icebreaker construction requires laser precision
Australia’s new Antarctic icebreaker, RSV Nuyina, has reached another… Read more
![lego ship](/site/assets/files/23482/dsc_9096.600x514.jpg)
LEGO icebreaker sets sail on its maiden voyage
It may not be seaworthy but a LEGO model of Australia’s new icebreaker is… Read more
![Picture of a penguin](/site/assets/files/23479/penguin-mum-and-baby_medium.600x514.jpg)
Tales from Antarctica with Australian children’s author Alison Lester
Settle in for story time with beloved children’s author Alison Lester as… Read more
![Photo of buildings on an island](/site/assets/files/23474/rs25386_wireless-hill-barry-becker-scr.600x514.jpg)
Tasmanian based company to manage new Macquarie Island research station build
A Tasmanian based company has been appointed as the preferred tenderer for… Read more
![Aerial view of the ship Aurora Australis surrounded by icy and water.](/site/assets/files/23469/04-aurora-australis_wendypyper.600x514.jpg)
Aurora Australis contract extended
The contract of the icebreaker Aurora Australis has been extended, taking… Read more
![GPS installation on the Sorsdal Glacier, near Australia’s Davis station](/site/assets/files/23459/rs48126_gps-installation-on-sorsdal-glacier_bryan-patterson-_helires_-.600x514.jpg)
New Australian Antarctic Science Council
The Government is establishing a new Australian Antarctic Science Council… Read more
![Man in icy water](/site/assets/files/23455/3_-scottclifford_gbm_aad-.600x514.jpg)
Midwinter madness — Antarctic expeditioners plunge into icy pool
Australian Antarctic expeditioners have plunged into a pool cut into the… Read more
![Man standing on ice in red jacket](/site/assets/files/23450/graham-cook.600x514.jpeg)
Australian Antarctic Medals awarded at midwinter
A station leader, two pilots and a fisheries observer have been awarded… Read more
![Dr Bruce Deagle with a test tube in his laboratory.](/site/assets/files/23446/bruce-deagle_glenn-jacobson.600x514.jpg)
Understanding Antarctic ecosystems using e-DNA
Can a small water sample tell you what sort of fish, krill, or even… Read more
![An iceberg calving off an ice shelf.](/site/assets/files/23439/rs12343__ice-calving-off-ice-shelf_ian-phillips.600x514.jpg)
Ocean waves following sea ice loss trigger Antarctic ice shelf collapse
Storm-driven ocean swells have triggered the catastrophic disintegration… Read more
![Photo of crab in the Southern Ocean](/site/assets/files/23433/benthic-life-2018.600x514.jpg)
The deep sea dwellers of the Southern Ocean
Cameras deployed nearly 3000 metres below the surface of the Southern… Read more
![Scientist operating equipment at dive hole with Adelie penguins in background](/site/assets/files/23429/rs1063_jb-and-adelies2_glenn-johnstone-lpr-1.600x514.jpg)
Launch of Antarctic Science Foundation
Australians now have the unique opportunity to contribute to our nation’s… Read more
![Photo of the sun setting](/site/assets/files/23426/img_0502.600x514.jpg)
Ain’t no sunshine in Antarctica
The sun has dipped below the horizon at Australia’s Davis research station… Read more
![three people holding flags in a blizzard.](/site/assets/files/23423/p5260046.600x514.jpg)
Antarctic expeditioners raise the flag for National Reconciliation Week
Even 100km/h winds couldn’t stop Antarctic expeditioners from showing… Read more
![Lloyd Symons (left) and Michael Santarossa in front of computer screens set up to mimic the Aurora Australis science control room and deliver ‘data in real time’ (DiRT).](/site/assets/files/23274/dsc_9028.600x514.jpg)
Data to the bunk
Expeditioners and crew onboard the Aurora Australis can now get the ‘DiRT’… Read more
![The blades of the ship’s propellers covered in a blue protective coating](/site/assets/files/52307/dsc_1147.600x514.jpg)
Icebreaker construction propels ahead
Key pieces of the RSV Nuyina’s propulsion system have recently arrived at… Read more
![Scientist sitting on ice-covered rocks with a laptop to monitor seismic tests.](/site/assets/files/23418/rs58019.600x514.jpg)
Building Antarctica’s first paved runway
The Australian Government has today announced its intention to construct a… Read more
![Mount Brown South ice core drill camp showing weather haven tent over the drill site, and international flags of the participating countries](/site/assets/files/23414/rs57949.600x514.jpg)
Deep field ice core provides snapshot of Antarctic climate history
Scientists will today begin cutting a 300 metre long Antarctic ice core… Read more
![Juarez Viegas from the US Atmospheric Radiation Measurement program launches a radiosonde from the deck of the Aurora Australis.](/site/assets/files/23680/18-in-brief_juarez-viegas-radiosonde-launch.600x514.jpg)
Cloud study success
Six hundred weather balloons and 64 atmospheric instruments helped… Read more
![A remote camera above an Adelie penguin colony on Shirley Island near Casey.](/site/assets/files/23409/remote-camera_-shirley-island_nisha-harris.600x514.jpg)
Spying on penguins
Remote time-lapse cameras are being used to spy on the love-life of Adélie… Read more
![A 300 tonne steel block of the ship’s hull showing anchor tubes and three decks.](/site/assets/files/23405/01-block-36-near-bow.600x514.jpg)
Anchors, ice knives and thrusters
The hull of Australia’s new Antarctic icebreaker RSV Nuyina is rapidly… Read more
![Media crew in front of an iceberg in Antarctica](/site/assets/files/23400/rs28109_20-abc3-antarctica-441mariedavies.600x514.jpg)
Australian Antarctic Media Program open for applications
Become a foreign correspondent in a frozen land — apply to report from… Read more
![Casey research station expeditioners gather in front of the flag poles for Anzac Day service](/site/assets/files/23396/rs57826.600x514.jpg)
Anzac Day in Antarctica
A veteran Defence Force Naval Officer has led Australia’s southern-most… Read more
![Weddell seal and pup on the sea ice](/site/assets/files/23392/rs27323_braddennis_aad.600x514.jpg)
International conference focuses on changing Southern Ocean ecosystems
International scientists are gathering in Hobart this week to develop the… Read more
![A sperm whale tail.](/site/assets/files/23387/sperm-whale-ejm3.600x514.jpg)
Noisy sperm whales forage to the beat
Scientists using underwater listening devices have made the first… Read more
![The melt bell at the entrance to the melt cavern at Mawson.](/site/assets/files/23379/melt-bell-at-mason.600x514.jpg)
Keeping Antarctic stations water-wise
How do you make water on the driest continent on the planet? On World… Read more
![A remotely operated camera sitting on rocks above an Adelie penguin colony.](/site/assets/files/23375/rs53843_remote-camera-in-colony.600x514.jpg)
Adélie penguins come in from the cold
Adélie penguins living on the West Antarctic Peninsula have been captured… Read more
![Photo of station with clouds](/site/assets/files/23370/rs35335_dsc_3693.600x514.jpg)
Macquarie Island research station turns 70
Macquarie Island research station celebrates its 70th anniversary this… Read more
![People with a helicopter and instruments on scaffolding on a glacier](/site/assets/files/23365/rs48024.600x514.jpg)
Key Antarctic ice shelf larger than scientists thought
More of the Totten Glacier is floating on the ocean than previously… Read more
![The base of the ship’s hull takes shape in the dry dock at Damen Shipyards in Romania](/site/assets/files/23360/construction-mileston-sm_rob-bryson.600x514.jpg)
New icebreaker looking ship shape
Construction of Australia’s new scientific icebreaker RSV Nuyina has… Read more
![View of Macquarie Island research station from Wireless Hill.](/site/assets/files/23356/macca_gregstone.600x514.jpg)
Macquarie Island station goes virtual
Macquarie Island research station will be captured in 360 degree virtual… Read more
![Krill](/site/assets/files/23352/rs23517_krill_robking-1.600x514.jpg)
Antarctic krill break down microplastics
Antarctic krill can physically break down microplastics before excreting… Read more
![](/site/assets/files/23350/penguin-knocking-over-camera.600x514.jpg)
Penguin selfie offers bird’s eye view
Curious emperor penguins have been captured in Antarctica getting up close… Read more
![PhD student Madi Gamble Rosevear holding an ice core on the Totten Glacier, near Australia’s Casey research station](/site/assets/files/23344/20180121_172008.600x514.jpg)
Women on the icy frontier
The Australian Antarctic Division is aiming to improve gender balance on… Read more
![Photo of blue ice runway with plane](/site/assets/files/23334/rs48375_chriscrerar_aad.600x514.jpg)
Icy runway to get face-lift
The final flight of the Antarctic season is due to take off for… Read more
![LEGO icebreaker](/site/assets/files/23338/ship2.600x514.png)
LEGO model of new icebreaker to tour Australia
Australia’s new icebreaker RSV Nuyina has been brought to life in LEGO by… Read more
![Leads in the sea ice](/site/assets/files/23330/rs4795_p9250446.600x514.jpg)
Antarctic sea ice shrinks to second lowest minimum
Antarctic sea ice has shrunk to its second lowest extent on record, with… Read more
![Photo of snow covered mountain range](/site/assets/files/23325/rs1262_cmattcurnock2012_aad-2103.600x514.jpg)
King penguins may call Australia home
Australia’s sub-Antarctic islands could become a refuge for king penguins… Read more
![Artist standing at easel with two emperor penguins tobogganing](/site/assets/files/23321/rs13556_johnkelly_aad.600x514.jpg)
Artists encouraged to aim for Antarctica
Creative practitioners seeking the ultimate inspiration are encouraged to… Read more
![King penguins swimming under water.](/site/assets/files/23315/rs23264_james-doube-king-penguins-swimming.600x514.jpeg)
Marine animals explore the ocean in similar ways
Despite significant differences in body size, shape and mode of movement… Read more
![Three Adélie penguins all looking the same way](/site/assets/files/23309/rs1662_the-triad.600x514.jpg)
Women in science down south
Imagine if your office was 10,000 squawking penguins and their fluffy… Read more
![Man standing on a boat](/site/assets/files/23306/dsc_7930.600x514.jpg)
Diving into the Antarctic toothfish gene pool
Scientists from around the world are heading to sea to investigate the… Read more
![Man wearing a yellow jacket standing under a flag holding a certificate.](/site/assets/files/23302/dsc_0064.600x514.jpg)
Unique Antarctic backdrop for Australian citizenship ceremony
What’s the coolest way to become a citizen of the country you love? Do it… Read more
![Two scientists, Tokyo University’s Dr Masato Moteki and Australian Antarctic Division’s Dr So Kawaguchi, on the dock next to the Japanese ship the Umitaka Maru](/site/assets/files/23299/dsc_8918.600x514.jpg)
Antarctic voyage studies smallest Southern Ocean animals
Japanese scientists working in collaboration with the Australian Antarctic… Read more
![Aerial shot of Davis research station](/site/assets/files/23296/rs1095_davis20aerial202014011.600x514.jpg)
Aurora Australis to top up water supply at Davis
Australia’s icebreaker Aurora Australis has been diverted to Davis… Read more
![Adélie penguin on a small boat](/site/assets/files/23292/snapshot.600x514.jpg)
Penguin pops in
Australian Antarctic Program expeditioners at Casey research station had… Read more
![White sea ice](/site/assets/files/23289/rs4407_p9240335-lpr.600x514.jpg)
Hot meets cold on sea ice research and energy efficiency
A new collaboration will bring expertise and technology from the hot… Read more
![Close up of Antarctic krill swimming in a laboratory tank](/site/assets/files/23286/rs23517_dsc_0030.600x514.jpg)
The sound of krill
Antarctic scientists hope an experiment to capture the ‘sound’ of a single… Read more
![Photo of a plane about to land on an ice runway with a pink sky in the background.](/site/assets/files/23281/rs2300_airbus_a319_dsc_1897-lpr.600x514.jpg)
A milestone in Australian Antarctic flights
The Australian Antarctic Program is celebrating a decade of flights to the… Read more