Modern Antarctic Research

Antarctica is the coldest and windiest continent on Earth. Today, scientists from many countries live and work there. They study the ice, weather, animals, and stars. Research stations keep them warm and safe while they do their important work.

Life at a Research Station

Research stations in Antarctica are like small towns on the ice. They have bedrooms, kitchens, and science labs. In summer, hundreds of people may live at a station. In winter, only a few brave scientists stay behind. They must deal with months of darkness and temperatures that can drop below minus 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

What Scientists Study

Scientists in Antarctica study many things. They drill deep into the ice to learn about Earth's past climate. They watch penguins and seals to see how they survive the cold. Some scientists use telescopes to look at the stars because the air is very clear. Their work helps us understand how our planet is changing.

Fun Facts

• More than 70 research stations from about 30 countries are in Antarctica.
• The coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth was in Antarctica at minus 128.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Antarctica has no permanent residents. Everyone there is a visitor.

Did You Know?

Scientists in Antarctica sometimes grow vegetables inside special greenhouses because nothing can grow outside in the frozen ground.