Antarctica Day

The windiest, coldest, driest, and fifth-largest continent on Earth—Antarctica—was discovered in 1820. In the following decades, several countries organized expeditions to reach and explore the Antarctic ice sheets. Since the southernmost continent lacked an indigenous population, various nations claimed ownership. As tensions mounted, 12 countries signed the Antarctic Treaty in 1959 to set the region aside for scientific research and prohibit military activities. Today, we celebrate the anniversary of this treaty, which now has 56 parties.
From suspended clouds of ice crystals to a subglacial, iron oxide-rich lake that flows blood-red, this polar desert is full of natural wonders. Its massive ice sheet stores about 70% of the world's fresh water. If it were to melt entirely, it could raise sea levels by over 200 feet, threatening low-lying regions worldwide. The infamous ozone layer hole is located above Antarctica, but thanks to global efforts, it is on track to close within the next 20 years.
© Michel Roggo/Minden Pictures