Antartica Day!

Happy Antartica Day!

On this day in 1959, the Antarctic Treaty was signed. Going into force in 1961, this designated the continent as a scientific preserve, and banning all military activity there. This treaty would be the first such arms control treaty during the Cold War. 

This treaty would pave the way for the continent to be the subject of a massive cooperative scientific effort, the purpose being to study the planet. Antarctica provided some rather unique opportunities for various scientific disciplines. For example, its long nights allowed astronomers to view the stars in our skies. And the unique organisms that live there could help transform what we know about biology and medicine. 

Research on Antarctica is especially important these days as global warming has been making a major impact on various things like weather patterns. 

Thanks for reading this blog entry! If you liked it, show it off! Take care of yourselves and each other! Stay safe, stay healthy, stay home, wash your hands often, wear a mask, and get your vaccine/booster! See you next time!