Events on January 20 in history

Four-man Team N2i, using only skis and kites, completes a 1,093-mile (1,759 km) trek to reach the Antarctic pole of inaccessibility for the first time since 1965 and for the first time ever without mechanical assistance.

Henry John R. Cookson: A Pioneer in Antarctic Exploration

Henry John R. Cookson, born on September 16, 1975, is a distinguished British polar explorer and adventurer, recognized as a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS). This prestigious fellowship, awarded by the UK's Royal Geographical Society, acknowledges significant contributions to geographical discovery or research, underscoring Cookson's profound involvement in exploring some of the planet's most remote and challenging environments.

The Groundbreaking Journey to the Southern Pole of Inaccessibility

On January 19, 2007, Henry Cookson, alongside his fellow British adventurers Rory Sweet and Rupert Longsdon, and their expert Canadian polar guide Paul Landry, achieved a monumental feat in polar history. Their team became the first to successfully reach the geographic Southern Pole of Inaccessibility (POI) by foot, a truly remarkable accomplishment that emphasized human endurance and self-sufficiency. This expedition, officially known as the Omega Pole of Inaccessibility Expedition, marked the first time in over four decades that the location had been visited. The last known presence at this extreme point was a research team in 1965, who had relied on tracked vehicles and aircraft for their transit. The sheer scale of navigating such an isolated, featureless, and often unforgiving landscape without mechanical support highlights the extraordinary challenge undertaken by Cookson's team, traversing vast distances across the Antarctic plateau.

The Enigmatic Pole of Inaccessibility: Antarctica's Most Remote Point

The Pole of Inaccessibility (POI) is a critical geographical concept in polar exploration, representing a point on a landmass that is furthest from any coastline. In Antarctica, this makes it arguably the most challenging and remote location to reach. The specific point referred to in the context of Cookson's expedition is defined by its establishment in 1958, coinciding with the setting up of a Soviet research station.

The Defunct Soviet Pole of Inaccessibility Research Station

Nestled deep within Kemp Land, Antarctica, at the coordinates of what was then defined as the Southern Pole of Inaccessibility, stands the remnants of a defunct Soviet research station. Known in Russian as Полюс недоступности (Polyus Nedostupnosti), this outpost was established during the International Geophysical Year (IGY) of 1957-1958, a period of intense global scientific collaboration and geopolitical competition in Antarctica. The station's primary function was to conduct vital meteorological observations, which it did rigorously from December 14 to December 26, 1958. Its WMO (World Meteorological Organization) ID, 89550, signifies its brief but formal recognition as an observation point in the global weather monitoring network of its time.

Unparalleled Extremes: Climate and Geography of the Antarctic POI

The Pole of Inaccessibility is renowned for its extraordinarily harsh conditions, solidifying its reputation as one of the coldest and most isolated places on Earth. It holds the grim distinction of having the world's coldest year-round average temperature, recorded at an astonishing -58.2 °C (-72.8 °F). This extreme cold is compounded by its high elevation; the surface stands at approximately 3,724 meters (12,218 feet) above sea level, contributing to a significantly thinner atmosphere and lower oxygen levels, making physical exertion even more demanding for any explorer.

Geographically, the Pole of Inaccessibility is situated 878 kilometers (546 miles) from the geographical South Pole, and approximately 600 kilometers (370 miles) from the former Soviet Sovetskaya Station. Its extreme distance from coastal areas means it experiences very stable, intensely cold air masses with minimal influence from oceanic weather patterns, creating a uniquely arid and frigid environment.

The First Ascent: The 3rd Soviet Antarctic Expedition

The very first team to reach the Pole of Inaccessibility was an 18-man traversing party of the 3rd Soviet Antarctic Expedition. They arrived at this remote location on December 14, 1958, having overcome immense logistical challenges across the vast, icy continent. Their pioneering achievement led to the establishment of the temporary research station and the iconic bust of Vladimir Lenin, which remarkably still stands, partially buried in snow and ice. This enduring monument serves as a silent sentinel, symbolizing human endeavor and perseverance in one of the world's most desolate landscapes.

Evolving Definitions of the Southern Pole of Inaccessibility

While the 1958 Soviet station defines one widely recognized Southern Pole of Inaccessibility, it is important to note that later definitions, based on more precise geodetic calculations or considering different coastal baselines (e.g., ice shelves versus exposed rock), have proposed slightly alternative locations for the absolute point of inaccessibility on the Antarctic continent. However, all these variations remain relatively close to the original 1958 point, confirming the general region as the most central and inaccessible part of the Antarctic landmass.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Pole of Inaccessibility and Antarctic Exploration

What makes the Southern Pole of Inaccessibility so challenging to reach?

Its extreme remoteness from any coastline, coupled with the world's coldest average temperatures, high altitude (over 3,700 meters), vast distances, and unpredictable weather patterns, make it exceptionally difficult. Expeditions to this location require immense logistical planning, specialized gear, and extraordinary human endurance.

What is the significance of reaching the Pole of Inaccessibility by foot?

Reaching it by foot, as Henry Cookson's team did, is a profound testament to raw human power and resilience. Unlike expeditions using tracked vehicles or aircraft, foot travel means overcoming every kilometer by ski, often hauling heavy sleds, without mechanical assistance. This method amplifies the physical and mental demands, elevating the achievement to a unique level of pioneering exploration.

Is the Soviet Pole of Inaccessibility research station still operational?

No, the Pole of Inaccessibility research station is defunct. It operated for a very brief period in December 1958 for meteorological observations. Only remnants, most notably a bust of Vladimir Lenin, remain partially visible above the ice as a historical marker.

How cold is the Pole of Inaccessibility?

It holds the record for the world's coldest year-round average temperature, recorded at an astonishing -58.2 °C (-72.8 °F). During the Antarctic winter, temperatures can plummet even further, making it one of the most brutally cold places on Earth.

What is an "FRGS"?

FRGS stands for Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. It is a distinction awarded by the UK's Royal Geographical Society to individuals who have made significant contributions to geography or geographical exploration, discovery, or research, or who have achieved distinction in fields where geographical knowledge is highly relevant.