The Tales of Antarctica - How It Challenges and Inspires Explorers

If you think Planet Earth is known, you may be wrong. This planet is still filled with endless secrets, and Antarctica is one of them. The most mysterious place on earth. The continent was spotted recently in 1820 by Russian explorers Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen and Mikhail Lazarev. In later years British and the U.S also explored the land. This is the place that holds 90% of the planet's ice and 70% of its fresh water. As of today, it is a seasonal destination for 1000-5000 researchers. Known as the coldest place on Earth. Beneath the ice there lie hidden lakes like Lake Vostok which remained untouched for millions of years.

While writing about Antarctica, how can one miss mentioning about Antarctic Treaty, which was signed in 1959 by 12 countries declaring that it should be a zone of peace and science, banning military activity for the preservation of its environment. Today, over 50 nations are part of this treaty. As of now, it is a land for research. Research not for profit but for survival of our planet.
When we discuss the past of Antarctica, the legendary tale of Ernest Shackleton comes to mind. His mission was to be the first to cross the entire Antarctic continent from sea to sea via the South Pole. Endurance was name of his ship sailed from England in August 1914 with a crew of 28.
In January 1915, his ship, Endurance tapped in sea's ice pack and from here began the chapter of real endurance, for 10 months, they lived in the immobilised ship which was slowly crushing by the pressure of the ice.

Finally on October 27, 1915 Shackleton gave the order to abandon the ship as it was fatally damaged. And it sank weeks later. The crew had to experience extreme challenges, they camped on drifting ice for months in freezing temperatures, in hunger and isolation. In April 1916, Shackleton with his men decided to sail with three remaining lifeboats to near Elephant Island, an uninhabited place. Then they took 800 mile voyage towards South Georgia Island which is itself an example of extraordinary navigation and endurance.

The story of Shackleton is an example of leadership, resilience, a refusal to give up and amazingly, not a single life was lost during the entire journey.

The world may seem divided when it comes to geopolitics, trade and interest. But, on the matter of Antarctica, they work together under the Antarctic Treaty to preserve the continent for peace and science. Scientists and researchers study there about melting of glaciers and climate change. It still remains an area where humanity tests its limits. Though the land may be far away from human civilisations and frozen but in contemporary time is a hotbed of cutting endge technology. Satellites track ice sheet movement, automated research stations are also there which monitor real time climate change and drones to collect samples or data.

Silence may be emptiness for someone but when it comes to Antarctica, it becomes the sound of the planet breathing. It teaches the modern researchers who spend months there cut off from the world, how to stay patient, work in a team to survive and importantly, humility.

People call Antarctica the last frontier on Earth but for a wise mind, it is the first step toward understanding our planet's limits and our own as well. As the climate changes due to humanity's own deeds, the ice melts growing challenges but still exploring Antarctica reminds Human Beings of discovery where survival depends on courage and cooperation.