#AntarcticLog is a series of comics by Karen Romano Young. You can find the originals here.

It’s springtime in Antarctica, and the scientists are heading back to the ice. Not only the scientists, but the support people working at the stations, and yes, even a few science communicators and artists. Among the first to travel to McMurdo and the South Pole in the wake of the Covid pandemic is Lauren Lipuma, editor of the U.S. Antarctic Program (and the National Science Foundation’s) newspaper, The Antarctic Sun. Happy trails, Lauren! We’re looking forward to the stories! 

This reminds me to mention a few others whose science stories bring everyone closer to our still-frozen continent,  the NSF-sponsored Antarctic Artists and Writers participants.  Did you know the program is opening up to proposals again very soon, under the umbrella of Oregon State University? That’s the newest wrinkle in the program, started long ago… 

Here’s info about people who’ve participated in the program, including the whole Antarctic Artists and Writers Collaborative. 

Among them are the creators of 69º South. 

And, because she’s an artist who went to McMurdo as a steward, I’m including Rose McAdoo, whose work really takes the cake. 

–Karen Romano Young is a writer, artist, deep-sea diver, and polar explorer. Follow her on Twitter & Instagram.