High-speed internet could be coming to Antarctica

guest · Nov 23, 2021

High-speed internet could be coming to Antarctica
The proposed fiber optic cable could advance climate research and education
November 23, 2021
https://www.theverge.com/2021/11/23/22765471/antarctica-internet-mcmurdo-station-research

On a volcanic rock just off the coast of Antarctica, McMurdo Station is abuzz with scientific research this time of year. Run by the US National Science Foundation, the station sees up to 1,000 visitors in the Antarctic summer from October to February, who travel here to conduct research on topics ranging from climate to ocean science.

But despite its central role in Antarctic research, McMurdo is lacking something most scientists working at 21st-century laboratories take for granted: high-speed internet.
Click to expand...

Earlier this year, the NSF began seriously exploring the possibility of building a fiber optic cable that would travel along the seafloor from Antarctica to neighboring New Zealand or Australia.

“It would change the fundamental experience of living in Antarctica,” said Peter Neff, glaciologist and assistant research professor at the University of Minnesota.
Click to expand...

In late June, the NSF sponsored a three-day workshop that brought together US and international researchers to discuss the transformative potential of a fiber optic cable to Antarctica, including how it will impact research, education, and the well-being of those who spend time at McMurdo Station.

Researchers could livestream daily operations instead of relying on archival recorders, weather forecasting could be improved, satellite images could be analyzed in real time, cybersecurity could be advanced, and project participation could be broadened beyond those conducting the research in the field.
Click to expand...

Log in or Sign up

High-speed internet could be coming to Antarctica

guest Guest

Log in or Sign up

High-speed internet could be coming to Antarctica

guest Guest

Useful Searches