Why don't planes fly over the South Pole?

There are very few cases of airplanes flying over Antarctica. The rough weather conditions and low visibility make it extremely difficult to fly and land a plane over the continent. It is technically possible to fly to Antarctica, but there are very few flights that take the risk of going there.

Can you fly over the South Pole?

Antarctica flights theoretically possible but rarely done

However, things become tricky over the Antarctic. These days some aircraft have ETOPS limits of 330 minutes (5.5 hours) and even 370 minutes (just over six hours). Even with these high ETOPS limits, parts of the airspace above Antarctica are still out of reach.

Why can't you fly to Antarctica?

Due to harsh conditions, extreme weather and no permanent population on the continent there are no regular passenger flights to Antarctica. Most flights transport research personnel and supply the bases. The lack of infrastructure makes it difficult to recover a stranded aircraft in case of an emergency.

Why can't planes fly over the poles?

The Problems with Flying Over the Poles

For one thing, the weather and cold temperatures can play havoc with the wings of a plane. Ice forming on the wings can weigh them down considerably, to say nothing of the damage that strong winds and moisture can do.

What is forbidden in Antarctica?

However, in Antarctica, taking anything is banned. This includes rocks, feathers, bones, eggs and any kind of biological material including traces of soil. Taking anything man-made is also completely banned, as some might actually be research equipment.

Why Planes Fly Over The North Pole But Not The South Pole

Is there a hidden world under Antarctica?

A “hidden world” discovered under the ice in Antarctica

He and other New Zealand scientists have just discovered an underwater ecosystem 500 metres under the Antarctic ice, in an estuary hundreds of kilometres from the edge of the Ross Ice Shelf, the largest ice barrier on the white continent.

Why is no one allowed to own Antarctica?

Antarctica doesn't belong to anyone. There is no single country that owns Antarctica. Instead, Antarctica is governed by a group of nations in a unique international partnership. The Antarctic Treaty, first signed on December 1, 1959, designates Antarctica as a continent devoted to peace and science.

Is Antarctica guarded?

Antarctica is guarded to protect its unique environment, and conduct scientific investigations. Also, it is guarded as a political symbol of cooperation among different countries, dating back to the Cold War period. Military activity is banned here, the guarding is through legal and political means.

Is there a big hole in Antarctica?

A few years ago, a giant hole opened up in the Antarctic sea ice, capturing attention around the world. Not since the 1970s had such a chasm appeared in the mid-ocean ice of the Weddell Sea. Scientists showed in previous research that ocean processes and cyclones contributed to the hole, called a polynya.

Can you go to Antarctica without permission?

The Antarctic Treaty does not prevent tourists, military personnel or scientific researchers from being present in Antarctica - but they do require an appropriate permit from a Treaty Party.

Why can't people permanently live in Antarctica?

Antarctica is the only continent with no native population. There is still no permanent human settlement, due to the unforgiving climate and terrain, although a few thousand people are located there on a temporary basis at one of the many research stations.

Why can't nobody live in Antarctica?

Due to its remoteness, inhospitable weather conditions and lack of natural land bridges connecting it to other continents, Antarctica has spent the last 35 million years in relative silence and seclusion. Prior to its discovery in 1820, no humans had ever set eyes on this icy continent.

Can I buy property in Antarctica?

Antarctica is the only place on the planet where the land isn't officially owned by anyone. A few countries have made land claims (for more about this, see the information box on the next page), but those claims aren't officially recognized and don't cover the entire continent.

Why don t flights go over Pacific Ocean?

The Pacific Ocean is a massive body of water that will require an extremely large amount of fuel to fly across. Rather than flying directly across the Pacific Ocean, most commercial flights take curved routes because they are actually shorter than shooting straight across a distance.

Why can't we go to the North Pole?

Since the North Pole sits on drifting ice, it's difficult and expensive for scientists and explorers to study. There isn't land or a place for permanent facilities, making it difficult to set up equipment.

Who owns Antarctica?

Seven countries (Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom) maintain territorial claims in Antarctica, but the United States and most other countries do not recognize those claims.

What was found at bottom of Antarctica?

A never-before-seen ecosystem lurks in an underground river deep below the icy surface in Antarctica. Researchers recently brought this "hidden world" into the light, revealing a dark and jagged cavern filled with swarms of tiny, shrimplike creatures.

What is hidden under the ice in Antarctica?

Moving inland, Antarctica's frozen wasteland conceals a hidden kingdom of hundreds of subglacial lakes and rivers, teaming with life. In 2014, Lake Whillans, the third largest lake on the continent, which lies 2600 feet beneath the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, was shown to contain nearly 4,000 different microbial species.

Why are there no satellite pictures of Antarctica?

Because of the location of Antarctica and because the rest of the year there isn't enough sunlight at the poles for the satellites to see the land, images can only be taken from December through March, the summer season.

Is there a US military base in Antarctica?

As Antarctica has never been permanently settled by humans, there has historically been little military activity in the Antarctic as the Antarctic Treaty, which came into effect on June 23, 1961, bans military activity in Antarctica.

Why is US military in Antarctica?

The Department of Defense provides supplies and assists in moving personnel to and from the southernmost continent through its Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica, according to a Pacific Air Forces release.

Is the US Army in Antarctica?

Joint Task Forces Support Forces Antarctica (Operation Deep Freeze) Provides logistics and support for the U.S. Antarctic Program; oversees the activities of U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command, Navy, and Coast Guard personnel who participate in the USAP.

What was recently found in Antarctica?

In June 2022, an underwater ecosystem was discovered in a river beneath the Larsen Ice Shelf in Antarctica. This discovery was made by New Zealand scientists when they drilled through the shelf and filmed the icy water below. The video footage revealed shrimp-like creatures swimming about in their underwater habitat.

Is there a president in Antarctica?

Antarctica does not have a president or prime minister. The Antarctic Treaty is a decentralised system of governance, with no executive leader.

Does Antarctica have a hospital?

Antarctica has no public hospitals, pharmacies, or doctor's offices. Although cruise ships have the capacity to deal with minor ailments, medical emergencies require evacuation to a country with modern medical facilities.