Saturday, September 19, 2009

Should the bodies of 3 Navy Personel that died in plane crash in Antarctica in 1946 be brought home?

This is an interesting debate that I read about in this article. Back in 1946 three men were put to rest under the wing of their crashed plane by the six survivors of the plane crash. Now that that part of the glacier might break off the families want to bring them home. However, the Navy does not agree, as they see it as a proper resting place similar to how those that died on the U.S.S. Arizona remain there. Sounds like they are looking for Obama's support and also government money to bring them home. I got nothing wrong with them wanting to bring them home, but I do think it is a waste of time and money, especially if they want public and not private funds to do it.

What do you think?

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

New Laser for Atmosphere Research in Antarctica

Australia's Davis Station is getting a new laser for researching the atmosphere. The current laser has been in use since 2001, but it is now being replaced by a new high powered laser. The laser is used to research changes in the atmosphere with a main focus on the particles destroying the ozone hole.

Read more about the new laser and it use in Antarctica in this article.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Qantas A380 New Year's Eve Antarctic Flyover

Qantas is offering its first sightseeing flyover of Antarctica on a A380 plane as a special New Year's Eve flight. Seems like a different way to see the continent, but really is not anywhere near a way of actually experiencing the continent. Sure it might be cheaper with economy seats starting at $999, but that is for only 11.5 hours of a airplane flight and not a several day cruise where you actually step on the continent. Basically it sounds interesting and all, but I sure would rather save up for a cruise than a flyover. Read more about it here.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Hollywood Movie Whiteout Based in Antarctica and on Reality, but Overall Fiction

I just read an interesting article about the new upcoming movie Whiteout, which I comes to theaters tomorrow, September 11, 2009. The article talks about how the Antarctic aspect is actually based in the real science/facts of Antarctica with less fiction license than some might think. Of course, to me it seem obvious that it was, but I guess those unfamiliar with Antarctica would think they are exaggerating in the trailer about 200 MPH winds and the cold temperatures. It is mostly a fictional plot, though, in regards to the murder and their even being a US Marshal stationed there, although it seems the station manager is actually deputized by the Marshal service.