Issue 16: 2009
The Australian Antarctic Magazine seeks to inform the Australian and international Antarctic community about the activities of the Australian Antarctic program. Opinions expressed in the magazine do not necessarily represent the position of the Australian Government. The Australian Antarctic Magazine is produced twice a year in hard copy and made available online. All text and images published in the magazine are copyright of the Commonwealth of Australia, unless otherwise stated. Editorial enquiries, including requests to reproduce material, or contributions, should be addressed to the Editor at magazine@aad.gov.au. Contributor Guidelines are available.
Full PDF version Australian Antarctic Magazine 16: 2009 
Future directions
An introduction to this June 2009 issue of the magazine, which looks at the changes and challenges ahead for the Australian Antarctic Division and our activities in Antarctica.
Steering the Antarctic Division through the pack ice
The Australian Antarctic Division's new Director, Lyn Maddock, brings a wealth of experience in the public and private sectors, to her new role.
Gunning for science
After 29 years at CSIRO, John Gunn joins the Australian Antarctic Division as the new Chief Scientist.
High school Russian raises the curtain on an Antarctic career
Former Policy Branch Head, Andrew Jackson, reflects on an impressive 35-year career with the Australian Antarctic Division, which began when he secured a university vacation position to translate the titles of a pile of Russian science publications.
Building a proud reputation in Antarctic science
Former Chief Scientist, Michael Stoddart, moved from the UK to build a career in Australian Antarctic science.
Advancing operations
Former Operations Branch Head, Kim Pitt, applied his naval knowledge to developing the Australian Antarctic Division's operational capabilities.
Australia's contribution to the International Polar Year
Five Australian-led research projects made significant advances in scientific understanding in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean during the IPY.
International polar snapshot
Evidence of the widespread effects of global warming in the polar regions is mounting, according to a report released by the World Meteorological Organisation and the International Council for Science.
New Antarctic stations
Introducing the highest situated and the first 'zero emissions' stations built in Antarctica, by China and Belgium, during the International Polar Year.
Declaration on the International Polar Year and polar science
Participants in a joint meeting of the Antarctic Treaty Parties and the Arctic Council have released a declaration on the International Polar Year and polar science, acknowledging the work that was done and highlighting the scientific research and collaboration that must continue.
Mountains unearthed in the wild heart of Antarctica
Seasoned Antarctic explorer, Eric Philips, tells of life in a remote field camp as scientists studied an enigmatic subglacial mountain range in East Antarctica.
Antarctic Treaty meeting focusses on the environment
Delegates from the Antarctic Division led Australia's participation in Antarctic Treaty meeting discussions of tourism management, science, operations and the environment.
Antarctic Treaty turns 50
World attention turned to the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Antarctic Treaty, during a meeting of ministers in Washington D.C. in April.
Cleaning up fuel spills on Macquarie Island
Naturally occuring soil microbes are helping scientists clean up fuel spills on Macquarie Island.
Monitoring Heard Island remotely
Environmental management of the remote Heard and McDonald Islands could get easier with the development of techniques to use satellite imagery to detect changes in the environment.
Wilkins Ice Shelf on verge of collapse
The Wilkins Ice Shelf on the south-western flank of the Antarctic Peninsula is at risk of further rapid collapse, after a thin ice bridge holding it back shattered.
Every whale counts for Team Minke
Scientists have enlisted aircraft-mounted video and still cameras to help count minke whales in pack ice.
Population dynamics of southern right whales
Aerial surveys are helping scientists assess increases in southern right whale numbers, following the dramatic population decline caused by unrestricted whaling.
Whale research partnership
A Southern Ocean Research Partnership was established in March to enhance cetacean conservation and the delivery of non-lethal whale research to the International Whaling Commission.
Sub-Antarctic penguins infected with tick-borne viruses
Scientists have discovered that ticks associated with penguins on Macquarie Island contain four new viruses, whose closest relatives are found in the Northern Hemisphere.
Sub-Antarctica in the spotlight
Topics discussed at the Second International Forum on the sub-Antarctic included the effects of ocean acidification, fertilisation of the ocean, and environmental change.
Bushfire smoke visible in Antarctica
Smoke from the Victorian bushfires in February has been detected by atmospheric LIDAR instruments in Antarctica.
A view from Wombat
Australian Antarctic Arts Fellow, Stephen Eastaugh, plans a portfolio of sewing, drawing, writing and photography, during his winter at Mawson.
Physicist marks a 40 year career in glaciology
Vin Morgan reflects on a career that made a significant contribution to Antarctic ice core and climate research.
Polar Medicine
This update on the activities of the Antarctic Division's Polar Medicine Unit, looks at research showing that 85% of Antarctic expeditioners become deficient in vitamin D six months into their stay, due to sunlight deprivation, and a new book - Expedition and Wilderness Medicine - which includes a chapter on polar medicine.
In Brief
Find out about the latest books, awards, exhibitions, courses and some 'last minute' science...
Freeze Frame
Ian Phillips' stunning image of snow covered hagglunds at Casey is this issue's Freeze Frame selection.
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