News from the Australian Antarctic Program

June 2026

Four people in a green hagglund parked on sea ice, with an ice plateau rising behind.

Mawson Station Leader, Dave Buller, took this photo during a 'road trip' to survey a towering tabular iceberg, as the team enjoyed clear skies, solid sea ice, and a rare run of windless days.

H5 avian influenza at HIMI

Scientists have released their findings on bird flu mortality levels amongst seals and penguins, from drone surveys taken on two recent voyages to Heard Island and McDonald Islands.

A person in a protective orange suit surveying penguins and seals on a remote island beach.

Analysing ancient air

Greenhouse gases trapped in 3,000 year-old Antarctic ice are being extracted and analysed for clues to Earth’s climate past.

A man looking at ice in a glass beaker on a tripod. The ice is being converted from a solid to a gas in a vaccuum.

A man with ice in his beard, wearing a winter jacket and beanie, standing in front of snow-covered mountains.

Australian Antarctic Medal

Shaun Gillies, Jennifer McGhee and Dr Clive McMahon have been awarded the prestigious Australian Antarctic Medal in recognition of their service to the Australian Antarctic Program.

White sea-ice floes sitting on the surface of a dark ocean.

A missing link in sea-ice melting identified

Scientists have recently identified new ways ocean waves contribute to summer sea-ice melting in Antarctica - by washing over and flooding sea-ice floes, and grinding them into a slush.

Midwinter madness

Antarctic expeditioners embraced tradition, and midwinter madness, to celebrate the shortest day of the year with an icy plunge.

For more information about the Australian Antarctic Program, visit our website and follow us on social media.

antarctica.gov.au

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

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