Antarctic Expeditions

Antarctica is the coldest place on Earth. Long ago, almost no one had been there. Between 1897 and 1922, brave explorers tried to reach the South Pole. This time is called the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. The trips were cold, long, and very dangerous.

The Race to the Pole

Two famous explorers raced to reach the South Pole first. Roald Amundsen was from Norway and used sled dogs. Robert Falcon Scott was from Britain and used ponies and men to pull sleds. Amundsen got there first in December 1911. Sadly, Scott and his team died on the way back.

Life in the Ice

Explorers faced winds, snowstorms, and freezing cold. The temperature could drop below minus 60 degrees. They lived in tents or small wooden huts. Food and fuel were very important. Some ships even got stuck in the ice for months.

Fun Facts

• Ernest Shackleton's ship got crushed by ice, but his whole crew survived.
• Explorers grew long beards to help keep their faces warm.
• Sled dogs could pull heavy loads across the snow all day.

Did You Know?

Antarctica has no cities or countries. Today, scientists from all over the world work together at research bases there.