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First, let’s remember the school geography course. The Arctic is the far north of the Earth. Antarctica is the opposite south polar region of our planet, which includes the mainland Antarctica. And there, and there it is terribly cold. But if at the North Pole the average air temperature is -34°C, then at the South Pole it is generally -49°C! Therefore, there is a permanent population in the Arctic, and only brave polar explorers live in the Antarctic.
When is Polar Explorer’s Day in 2023
Polar explorer’s day 2023 in Our Country, as in other years, is celebrated 21 May.
It was added to the state calendar of holidays not so long ago – in 2013. The initiative belongs to the Special Representative of the President of the Federation for International Cooperation in the Arctic and Antarctic, oceanologist Artur Chilingarov. It was a sign of recognition of the merits of people working at the North and South Poles of the Earth.
Disputes immediately arose: whom to congratulate? It is clear that a polar explorer is a member of an expedition or an employee of a polar station. However, the Ministry of Nature of the Federation decided to also include residents of the Far North, geologists and oceanologists, gas and oil producers. In total in Our Country it is about two million people.
history of the holiday
On May 21, 1937, a polar air expedition of the USSR Academy of Sciences landed the scientific station “North Pole-1”, abbreviated as “SP-1”, directly on the drifting ice of the Arctic. Then the real conquest of the Far North by man began. The members of the expedition had to collect scientific data on atmospheric phenomena, biological processes in water, etc. The development of the Northern Sea Route depended on this.
For 274 days of work, “SP-1” sailed on an ice floe for more than 2000 km. The work of the expedition was not only difficult, but also dangerous. The ice floe broke several times. Because of this, it was decided to evacuate the expedition.
“SP-1” is known as the world’s first research drifting station. The results of her work were included in the golden fund of world science.
Holiday traditions
The day of the polar explorer was celebrated in the North and in the Arctic even before it became official. But these were spontaneous holidays. Now, every year on May 21, awards are given to distinguished representatives of the profession.
Polar Explorer Day 2023 will be celebrated in all cities where Arctic and Antarctic researchers live. For example, in St. Petersburg. There, the holiday usually begins with a noon shot from a cannon on the Peter and Paul Fortress. In addition to the official awards part, there are exhibitions of photographs from the expeditions, a demonstration of new equipment and an Arctic dictation. Everyone, from schoolchildren to adults, answers questions on a variety of sciences, united by the theme of the Far North.
Who can become a polar explorer
It’s almost as difficult as becoming an astronaut. Must be good health. The application can be submitted by representatives of the following professions: biologist, hydrologist, meteorologist, doctor, cook, diesel mechanic, driver, builder, electrician, telecom operator, system administrator. These workers are needed at polar stations. Students and scientists with geographical, geological and physical education can go on an expedition.
Most polar explorers are under 50 years old. Older people have a hard time in Antarctica because of the high pressure. Even a healthy person can develop heart problems. So severe frosts are not the biggest difficulty.
In addition, it is psychologically difficult to live in the polar night. At the South Pole, the sun does not come out for almost half a year.
It should also be noted that the life of polar explorers is associated with hard physical work. For example, you need to constantly clear the snow. And even a cook needs to be strong. To cook dinners for several dozen people, you have to carry sacks of sugar and frozen cow carcasses from the warehouse yourself. Therefore, women among polar explorers are a rarity.
How do people live in Antarctica
stations are located along the entire perimeter of Antarctica. About 100 polar explorers live here for a year. Then a new shift arrives, and they go home on vacation. But someone remains. Approximately the same number of people come for seasonal work lasting six months.
Together with polar explorers, several tens of tons of food go to Antarctica. Products are strictly designed for the whole year. In winter, when the air temperature drops to -55°C, not a single plane can fly there.
Polar explorers work almost seven days a week. Free time during the day – a couple of hours. Then they go to the gym, watch TV, read, play billiards or chess. There is nothing more to do there.
Interesting Facts
- The aurora is produced due to the magnetic influence of the solar wind on the Earth’s upper atmosphere. The more active the solar flares, the more spectacular the spectacle. There are northern and southern lights. Depends on which pole of the earth you are closer to when you see it. From both opposite sides, the picture is absolutely identical.
- When New Year is celebrated in Our Country, it is the hottest time of the year in Antarctica. That is, only -25 ° C. This is called polar summer. And when we have summer, it’s vice versa – winter.
- The area of harsh Antarctica is comparable to the area of Our Country. It is inhabited only by seals, leopard seals, elephant seals and birds: petrels, skuas and, of course, penguins.