Antarctica: the 41st Italian research season begins

The 41st Italian Antarctic Research Expedition has begun, involving approximately 200 technicians and researchers working on projects in various disciplines, including glaciology, geology, climatology, biodiversity, and oceanography. Research activities will take place at Mario Zucchelli Station, Concordia Station, and on board the icebreaker Laura Bassi.

The first group of technicians has already arrived in Antarctica and reopened the coastal Mario Zucchelli Station, which had been closed since last February. They are currently checking the condition of the sea ice, where the runway will be prepared for upcoming flights operated by the C130J aircraft of the Italian Air Force’s 46th Air Brigade, to transport materials and personnel for the mission.

The scientific campaign will also include research activities on board the OGS research vessel Laura Bassi, which departed from Trieste in early October. After crossing the Panama Canal, the ship will reach New Zealand in mid-November, completing a journey of about 50 days. It will then depart for Antarctica on 25 November and return to Lyttelton on 18 December.