Stunning Icy Sights
You might know of Antarctica in pieces, like how it's the coldest place on Earth and how it's a continent of its own. But there's so much more to its breathtaking beauty that you might not be aware of. From majestic glaciers to the mesmerizing sight of a sun that never seems to set, here are five beautiful things you may only witness in the Antarctic.
1. The Midnight Sun
In the summer, Antarctica is bathed in constant light, which means it's daytime for six months straight. These long hours of straight sun can significantly affect the body's natural circadian rhythm, so researchers on the continent often find themselves working tirelessly without feeling the need to rest.
2. Polar Night
In the winter, the opposite occurs: Antarctica is swallowed by darkness for six consecutive months. Researchers who stay at the stations for winterovers often find it quiet and lonely, considering the continent is most inhabited in the summer.
3. Majestic Glaciers
You can see glaciers in other parts of the world, like Iceland, but in the Antarctic, the views are likely more majestic than anything you've witnessed before. The continent, after all, is made up of a gigantic ice sheet spanning 14 million square kilometers, which is roughly the same size as the US and Mexico combined.
4. Southern Lights
In the north, you'll be able to see the Northern Lights, but continents in the South Pole are treated to the Southern Lights, or the Aurora Australis. Their colors, however, often appear the same, displaying shades of pink, green, blue, and purple.
Graham Holtshausen on Unsplash
5. Antarctic Wildlife
You won't be able to see any polar bears here (they're up in the Arctic), but you'll be blessed with other species, like penguins, seals, and whales. In fact, eight types of penguins call Antarctica their home, including the Emperor, Adélie, and Gentoo.
