Celebrating Antarctica Day 2020
British Antarctic Survey (BAS) celebrates Antarctica Day in 2020 with a series of activities to highlight the importance of Antarctic research and operations during a year that marked the 200th anniversary of the discovery of the continent.
BAS is educational partner with BBC Studios on an exciting new IMAX film Antarctica 3D aimed at school children. The engaging film, which is narrated by actor Benedict Cumberbatch, premieres in the London Science Museum’s IMAX theatre on 9 December (https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/see-and-do/antarctica-3d) and will roll out across theatres in the UK, US and Canada in Spring/Summer 2021 reaching thousands of young people. Have a taster by watching the trailer launched for Antarctica Day below.
Working in association with the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration, polar science is being transported into classrooms and homes as part of the Antarctica Week Festival. A week of free talks, from those working at BAS, across the UK and US and from the continent itself, will educate and inspire young people in all aspects of polar research. Talks run until Friday 4 December. Register here: https://thwaitesglacier.org/news/antarctica-week-festival-2020
Antarctica Day was inaugurated to celebrate the 1st December 1959 signature of the Antarctic Treaty, which was adopted “with the interests of science and the progress of all mankind.” Antarctica Day was initiated by the Foundation for the Good Governance of International Spaces (ourspaces.org.uk) as an annual event to build global awareness of this landmark institution, celebrating this milestone of peace in our civilization with hope and inspiration for future generations.
The Antarctic Treaty has been signed by over 50 nations to date and covers the area south of 60°S latitude. The Treaty has ensured that Antarctica remains a natural reserve, devoted to peace and science.
Antarctica Day is a partnership with a number of organisations including the Association for Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS), Our Spaces and Polar Educators International (PEI).
This year, you can get involved in Antarctica Day by taking part in a fun activity designing your own flag for Antarctica. Find out more: https://polarnetwork.org/2020/10/join-us-for-antarctica-day-2020/