On Chilean Antarctic Day, a new book recounts more than 50 women’s extreme journeys to Antarctica

Studying in Chile’s only school in Antarctica, diving in waters with temperatures under -2°C, or flying in a military plane to the South Pole sound like activities that only a select group of people can do; but in fact, they are now carried out by various groups of women on a daily basis. They are professionals who are doing things they are passionate about at the southernmost tip of the world. 

This is how “Antártica: relatos de exploradoras en el corazón del planeta” (Antarctica: stories of female explorers in the heart of the planet) came about. Written by science journalist Nadia Politis, the book gathers together the stories of 55 female travelers between the ages of 15 and 95 who, at different times throughout Chile’s history to the present day, have made their way to the most isolated spot on the planet. Their collective tale, full of emotion and adventure, reflects on the major issues the territory faces: climate change, invasive species, seismic activity and Antarctic education. 

The book seeks to use the story of Antarctica to inspire girls and young women between the ages of 14 and 17 to become passionate about achieving their own goals, motivating them to develop an adventurous spirit that reflects the values of unity and collaboration that drive every Antarctic explorer. The virtual launch of the book will take place this Sunday, November 6, at the awards ceremony of the Feria Antártica Escolar (Antarctic School Fair, FAE). The fair connects students from all over Chile to carry out a new and original Antarctic research project. These events are part of the commemoration of Chilean Antarctic Day, which recognizes the legacy of former President Pedro Aguirre Cerda, who defined the boundaries of the Chilean Antarctic Territory in 1940. 

“Antártica: relatos de exploradoras en el corazón del planeta” is a project funded by the Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation Ministry’s Public Science Program, with the support of the Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH) and the local governments of Santiago and Punta Arenas. The prologue is written by Dr. Pamela Santibáñez, a renowned Antarctic scientific researcher, PhD in Ecology, and the southern macrozone’s Regional Ministerial Secretary for Science. The book can be accessed at the website www.exploradorasdelplaneta.cl, where multimedia content and exclusive photographic material is also available. The book’s content review was led by the prominent science journalist and professor, Sergio Prenafeta Jenkin, while the editorial management and proofreading was led by Isidora Sesnic.