Turkish research team arrives in Antarctica after 4-day journey

By Sebnem Coskun

ANTARCTICA (AA) - A Turkish science team traveling as part of the 8th National Antarctic Science Expedition reached Antarctica's King George Island on Friday after a 90-hour journey.

Embarking on the 8th National Antarctic Science Expedition, the team, operating under the presidency and the Industry and Technology Industry, with coordination by Turkish-based TUBITAK MAM Polar Research Institute, set out from Istanbul and completed a challenging journey along the route extending to 103 degrees south within four days.

The expedition commenced in Istanbul on Jan. 27 with a flight to Sao Paulo, Brazil. After four flights totaling approximately 24 hours, covering a distance of around 13,800 kilometers, the team reached Antarctica's King George Island carrying about two tons of technical equipment.

Following the Antarctic Environmental Protection Protocol guidelines, the expedition team rigorously implemented significant measures to prevent the introduction of non-indigenous organisms to the continent. Upon disembarking from the plane and stepping onto Antarctica, the team ensured the cleanliness of their boots by using a disinfectant solution.

-'We have three high school students participating in our expedition'

Professor Burcu Ozsoy, head of the first Turkish polar research center, ITU PolReC, and coordinator of the 8th National Antarctic Science Expedition, told Anadolu that on the fourth day of their journey starting from Istanbul, they reached Antarctica. She said: "It's a sunny yet cold day in Antarctica. Currently, 20 Turkish scientists have touched down in Antarctica, and three high school students accompany them."

Highlighting the active participation of high school students in projects alongside scientists in Antarctica, Ozsoy also noted the involvement of scientists from Spain, Bulgaria, and the United States in this year's Turkish scientific expedition.

Ozsoy emphasized the difficulty they faced in conducting flights to Antarctica's King George Island over the last few days, explaining: "All activities in Antarctica can only take place when weather conditions allow. Since the weather conditions finally permitted after a few days, we embarked on this flight as Czech, Bulgarian, and Turkish scientists."

- Various experiments will be carried out

Ozsoy mentioned that the Turkish scientific team will undertake 22 distinct projects this year and provided the following insights:

"Embarking from 62 degrees south latitude and reaching up to 68 degrees south latitude, Turkish scientists will conduct these projects in the vicinity of Horseshoe Island. Our scientific endeavors span a diverse range, encompassing earth sciences and life sciences. These studies will cover various aspects, including examining microplastics, volcanic research, and collecting samples from earth sciences. Furthermore, the expedition involves evaluating and experimenting equipment developed as part of the National Technology Initiative under Antarctic conditions."

-The wearable technology developed by high school students will undergo real-world testing on scientists

Ozsoy noted that the team, comprised of three high school students who secured the top position in the 2204-C TUBITAK High School Students Polar Research Projects Competition, applied for participation. She mentioned that the wearable technology jacket they developed would be tested in Antarctic conditions by the scientists involved in the expedition.

"This jacket will actually measure parameters related to human health, such as heart rate and pulse of scientists. A comprehensive research awaits us for the 8th National Antarctic Science Expedition," she stated.

- Best wishes from Turkish Airlines cabin crew

Meanwhile, the cabin crew of the Turkish Airlines flight that took the team extended their best wishes to the 8th National Antarctic Science Expedition team with a note saying: "Professor Burcu and esteemed team: We are delighted to accompany you on your journey to the White Continent. May your path be clear, and success be with you in this important mission where you will represent our country."

At the end of the flight, the team members of the science expedition and the cabin crew took a souvenir photo together.

The team plans to embark on a week-long ship journey from King George Island, first reaching Dismal Island and then continuing to Horseshoe Island, where Türkiye's temporary science camp is situated.

* Writing by Gizem Nisa Cebi in Istanbul