Aurora Australis

Was the Spirit of Mawson Antarctic expedition serious science or a reckless tourist trip?

Environment

Those on the Spirit of Mawson Antarctic expedition were relieved and jubilant when they were rescued last week after being stranded on a ship caught in Antarctic pack ice. But some polar scientists were not as jubilant. They question the trip as more a lark than a serious expedition — which diverted several icebreakers from serious scientific work.

The MV Akademik Shokalskiy stranded in ice off Antarctica on December 29. After a blizzard finally cleared the Russian ship's 52 passengers were airlifted to a nearby icebreaker.

Icebound Antarctic passengers airlifted to safety

Environment

Even the New Year’s baby can’t escape the NSA

Global Scan