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DECEMBER 2021

ANTARCTIC RESEARCH STATIONS
Written by Hannah Peterson

As winter is basically upon us, we are probably all a little chilly. Or at least those of us living in the Midwest. Can you imagine living somewhere freezing cold year round? Our spotlight career this month is Antarctic researchers, which makes this a great time to learn about the research stations where they conduct their work in frigid temperatures. Antarctica is known as the 'international continent' because it is inhabited by researchers from all over the world. Under the Antarctic Treaty, the people inhabiting Antarctica must ensure the well-being of the continent. There are currently 70 permanent stations across the continent representing 29 countries, as well as about 35 temporary stations that are occupied during the warmer months of October to March. Antarctica springs to life during these summer months and sees much fewer researchers the rest of the year.

The first research station was established by the Scottish National Antarctic Expedition (SNAE) in 1902. This first research structure was referred to as the Omond House, and it is now under the ownership of the Argentinean government under a different name. Since then, many more permanent bases have been established. There is a lot of work that goes into building and maintaining these research stations, some of which are very large. In the warmer months they could hold up to 1,200 people. Each country seems to have a different design style in building their stations as well. Some stations have also adopted environmentally friendly design concepts to significantly reduce their impact on the Antarctic continent. One example is Belgium's Princess Elizabeth Station. If you ever want to bear the cold and visit Antarctica and these research stations, they are an interesting sight to see.

Reference: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/blog/a-look-into-the-international-research-stations-of-antarctica&source=gmail-imap&ust=1642130561000000&usg=AOvVaw20nReqnD8Ywc8raV_XQtBe

SPOTLIGHT CAREER: ANTARCTIC RESEARCHER
Written by Kiyas Kousoulas

With its sub-zero temperatures, immense amounts of snow, strong winds, and a totally ice-covered environment, it may seem strange that anyone would willingly travel to a place like Antarctica. However, when it comes to Antarctic researchers there is no place they'd rather be. Antarctic researchers face some of the harshest conditions on our planet in order to conduct their work. Not only is it difficult to take samples, analyze, and study in Antarctic conditions, it's also incredibly hard to get there! Yet, these scientists welcome all these challenges and more just to get the opportunity to learn more about the creatures and environments that call the Antarctic their home.

There are so many rare and fascinating things in the Antarctic, which means it requires many different kinds of scientists to study all the different topics. Some researchers specialize in fish and the special traits they have that allow them to live in such a cold place. Some specialize in penguins, which are only found in the southern hemisphere. Some study the tiniest organisms like bacteria and microorganisms. Some even study the movements of the ice and water all around Antarctica. No matter what scientists are studying, all of their research is super important in helping other researchers, and the entire world, learn more about an unusual and interesting place.

In order to become an Antarctic researcher it is important to know what you are really interested in studying. There are so many different types of researchers and all of them require different types of school and work. The first step in becoming an Antarctic research scientist is pursuing a 4-year bachelor's degree. During these studies, students can pursue research opportunities through their university and gain experience in their chosen field of study. After graduation, some students choose to go straight into research and others choose to continue their learning career with a masters or PhD program. There are very limited opportunities to study in Antarctica, so finding a job may be difficult but early experience in your topic of interest is sure to help you out. If you think the cold, snowy terrain of Antarctica is exciting, then an Antarctic researcher may be the job for you!

SPOTLIGHT SPECIES: EMPEROR PENGUIN
Written by Molly Adolph

Emperor Penguins, which are the largest species of penguin, are the only animals that live on the open ice in Antarctica during the winter! This means they can endure wind chills as cold as -76 F and wind speeds above 120 mph. They can do this because of several special adaptations such as four layers of scale-like feathers to provide a waterproof coat and shield them from the freezing winds. They also have features that help them conserve heat and claws on their feet to help them grip the icy surface. Not only are their bodies well adapted for land, but they are also great swimmers. They can dive deeper than any bird and stay underwater for up to 20 minutes ' making them strong hunters, eating fish, krill, and squid.

Every winter, Emperor Penguins travel across the ice to their breeding grounds. Males and females meet through courtship calls and displays. Once the egg is hatched, the male is responsible for incubation, and the female heads back to the sea. The males incubate the eggs through the harshest winter conditions on Earth without eating. They do so by huddling together and taking turns rotating to the outside of the circle. Finally, the eggs hatch into chicks and the females return to take care of them. The males then head off to eat.

The livelihood of Emperor Penguins is dependent on maintaining the health of the ice they live on. This means doing your part to prevent global warming.

Image from: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.12storylibrary.com/2015/11/penguins-change-huddle-shapes-to-cope-with-cold/&source=gmail-imap&ust=1642130561000000&usg=AOvVaw2xpoJGINkc9LeAmGE8l4Ko

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Penguin Drawing Spotlight
This month we opened up our spotlight species portrait to you dear readers! We even put on a terrific drawing workshop for all ages with our Illustration Lead, Eve Feldman. A recording of the content of this event will be posted shortly. Thank you to everyone who participated in the event or the drawing open call. Our submissions were as follows:

Izzy, Snow, 2021, paper and pencil.

OPPORTUNITIES AT AEON FOR OCEAN

Are you interested in joining our team and helping to contribute to ocean conservation? We are currently looking to fill the following positions:

Comic Illustrator
Social Media Associate
Director of Technology
Graphic Designer

More information can be found on our Volunteer Opportunities page.
Interested applicants can apply directly on our website using the link above.

View Member Bios on Our Website

KRILL2WHALE PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT

What is Krill2Whale?
Krill2Whale (K2W) is a program focused on educating kids about marine life and oceans so they can then share that information with other children in both casual and formal presentation settings. The goal is to spread awareness on the importance of the marine ecosystem and to increase involvement in activities to save our oceans.

How does K2W benefit kids?
Not only will new K2W Ambassadors join a group of inspiring kids, make new friends, and learn about marine life, but they will also learn valuable life skills like public speaking, leadership, and planning. The K2W Ambassadors will be given the opportunity to present a 30-45 minute interactive presentation at schools and libraries and help organize events for their communities.

How can my child join?
Head to aeonforocean.org/krill2whale for more information. If you'd like to join, click 'Join me' in the 'Become a K2W Ambassador' section and complete the form. If you have further questions about the program, please send an email to info@aeonforocean.org.

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