10/01/2026 | Rosamaria Kubny

First Weddell seal pup of the season at Vernadsky

The first Weddell seal pup of the 2026 season near the Ukrainian research station Akademik Vernadsky. The pup was spotted on Winter Island, opposite Galindez Island. Newborn Weddell seals weigh around 25 to 30 kilograms in their first few days of life. (Photo: Kyrylo Sulima, Oleh Horiainov, Yelyzave

10/01/2026 | Rosamaria Kubny

Whale invasion off the east coast of Greenland

A humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) leaps out of the sea with its massive body. These spectacular leaps, also known as ‘breaching’, are among the most striking behaviours exhibited by humpback whales. (Image: AI-generated)Off the east coast of Greenland, the marine ecosystem has changed signif

09/30/2026 | Heiner Kubny

Female krill gather at hydrothermal vents

Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) in its natural suspended state. Clearly visible are the translucent body and the red organs responsible for bioluminescence. A new study shows that reproductive females also seek out hydrothermal vents at depths of more than 1,000 metres. (Photo: Uwe Kils / Wikime

09/30/2026 | Heiner Kubny

Volcanic ash: a risk to flights over Antarctica

The 2,732-metre-high Mount Melbourne rises above northern Victoria Land. A new study shows that volcanic ash from an explosive eruption could disrupt not only research stations but also air links over Antarctica. (Photo: Michael Van Woert / NOAA NESDIS – Public Domain)Volcanic eruptions are not amon

09/29/2026 | Rosamaria Kubny

Researchers call for greater protection for Deception Island’s beaches

A new study shows that the beaches of Deception Island are home to surprisingly diverse ecosystems. Deception Island from space: this Sentinel-2 image, taken on 17 March 2023, strikingly shows the almost circular, sea-flooded caldera of the active volcano. The dark, largely ice-free areas clearly re

09/29/2026 | Heiner Kubny

Antarctic meteorite reveals the birth of the Sun

Members of the Antarctic Search for Meteorites (ANSMET) programme recover a carbonaceous chondrite from a glacial moraine at the foot of Mount Ward in Antarctica. The sample is carefully packed to prevent contamination. (Photo: Christine Floss)A meteorite found in Antarctica preserves traces of a ma

09/28/2026 | Polar Journal AG Team

Russia Counts Its Polar Bears

The surveyed areas are known as important maternity areas for polar bears. Pictured here is a female polar bear with her cub in Svalbard. (Image: AWeith / CC BY-SA 4.0 / cropped)Researchers are counting polar bears in important denning areas of the Russian Arctic, with some preliminary observations

09/27/2026 | Rosamaria Kubny

Arctic Char – the “Bread of the Arctic”

The Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) is one of the most important food fish for the Inuit and is considered the quintessential traditional staple food in many regions of Canada, Greenland, and Alaska. Because of its central importance, it is often referred to as the “bread of the Arctic.”For the Inu

09/26/2026 | Polar Journal AG Team

Canada Advances Decades-Old Northern Highway Project

The proposed Mackenzie Valley Highway would stretch around 800 kilometres. Pictured is another all-season road in the Mackenzie Delta, under construction in 2013. (Image: Adam Jones / CC BY-SA 2.0 / cropped)A highway envisioned nearly 70 years ago is moving forward again as Canada invests in a long-

09/25/2026 | Yana Kirichenko

New Animal Species Reported in Svalbard

The new species is not the kind of bear usually associated with the Arctic. Tardigrades are nicknamed “water bears” because of their stocky bodies and bear-like movement on short, clawed legs.A new study describes a previously unrecognised species of water bear found among fallen leaves in Svalbard.

09/24/2026 | Heiner Kubny

Surprisingly large numbers of young cod off Spitsbergen

An Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). Norwegian marine researchers have found an unusually large number of young cod in the glacial fjords of Spitsbergen. Research is now underway to determine whether the species is spreading further north as Arctic waters warm. (Photo: Wilhelm Thomas Fiege / Wikimedia Co

09/24/2026 | Heiner Kubny

Australia plans four major Antarctic research campaigns

The Australian research icebreaker RSV Nuyina cuts a path through thick Antarctic sea ice. As Australia’s most important floating research platform, the vessel will facilitate research into sea ice, the ocean, krill and climate during the upcoming expeditions. (Photo: Pete Harmsen / Australian Antar

Science

09/30/2026| Heiner Kubny

Female krill gather at hydrothermal vents

Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) in its natural suspended state. Clearly visible are the translucent body and the red organs responsible for bioluminescence. A new study shows that reproductive females also seek out hydrothermal vents at depths of more than 1,000 metres. (Photo: Uwe Kils / Wikime

09/30/2026| Heiner Kubny

Volcanic ash: a risk to flights over Antarctica

The 2,732-metre-high Mount Melbourne rises above northern Victoria Land. A new study shows that volcanic ash from an explosive eruption could disrupt not only research stations but also air links over Antarctica. (Photo: Michael Van Woert / NOAA NESDIS – Public Domain)Volcanic eruptions are not amon

09/29/2026| Rosamaria Kubny

Researchers call for greater protection for Deception Island’s beaches

A new study shows that the beaches of Deception Island are home to surprisingly diverse ecosystems. Deception Island from space: this Sentinel-2 image, taken on 17 March 2023, strikingly shows the almost circular, sea-flooded caldera of the active volcano. The dark, largely ice-free areas clearly re

09/29/2026| Heiner Kubny

Antarctic meteorite reveals the birth of the Sun

Members of the Antarctic Search for Meteorites (ANSMET) programme recover a carbonaceous chondrite from a glacial moraine at the foot of Mount Ward in Antarctica. The sample is carefully packed to prevent contamination. (Photo: Christine Floss)A meteorite found in Antarctica preserves traces of a ma

09/28/2026| Polar Journal AG Team

Russia Counts Its Polar Bears

The surveyed areas are known as important maternity areas for polar bears. Pictured here is a female polar bear with her cub in Svalbard. (Image: AWeith / CC BY-SA 4.0 / cropped)Researchers are counting polar bears in important denning areas of the Russian Arctic, with some preliminary observations

09/25/2026| Yana Kirichenko

New Animal Species Reported in Svalbard

The new species is not the kind of bear usually associated with the Arctic. Tardigrades are nicknamed “water bears” because of their stocky bodies and bear-like movement on short, clawed legs.A new study describes a previously unrecognised species of water bear found among fallen leaves in Svalbard.

09/24/2026| Heiner Kubny

Australia plans four major Antarctic research campaigns

The Australian research icebreaker RSV Nuyina cuts a path through thick Antarctic sea ice. As Australia’s most important floating research platform, the vessel will facilitate research into sea ice, the ocean, krill and climate during the upcoming expeditions. (Photo: Pete Harmsen / Australian Antar

09/23/2026| Heiner Kubny

Antarctica has its very own microbes

Wearing protective clothing, soil samples are being taken at Tramway Ridge on Mount Erebus for microbiological analysis. This geothermally active site, with its steaming fumaroles, forms part of a specially protected area in Antarctica. Strict sterilisation and protective measures are in place to pr

Politics

09/21/2026, Yana Kirichenko

What Makes a Good Life in the Arctic?

Tasiilaq on the east coast of Greenland. Researchers argue that life in the Arctic requires its own indicators of well-being. (Image: Christine Zenino / CC BY 2.0 / cropped)How do we know whether people are living well? When measuring life in the Arctic, researchers argue that standard measures may

09/20/2026, Heiner Kubny

China and Russia are planning a new container fleet for the Arctic

Rendering of a new ice-class Arc7 container ship for the Northeast Passage. The freighter, developed by the United Shipbuilding Corporation, is designed to carry more than 4,800 standard containers and navigate autonomously through first-year ice up to 1.7 metres thick. The project forms part of the

09/19/2026, Marcel Schütz

Professor Molchanov: Legal dispute over Russian ship in Svalbard

Professor Molchanov (Image: Polar Journal)The Norwegian authorities detained the Russian Professor Molchanov in Barentsburg on 2 September under a court order. The measure stems from a compensation claim by Ukrainian energy group Naftogaz against Russia. All 69 passengers and crew members have now r

09/17/2026, Heiner Kubny

Suspicious manoeuvres over Svalbard’s undersea cables

A Russian fishing trawler in the harbour of Båtsfjord in northern Norway. Russian fishing vessels are still permitted to operate in certain Norwegian waters. Several trawlers have recently been repeatedly spotted over the routes of the undersea cables between the Norwegian mainland and Svalbard. (Ph

09/16/2026, Heiner Kubny

Churchill could become a year-round Arctic port

An aerial view of the port of Churchill on Hudson Bay. The grain terminal, rail link and quay facilities could play a key role in future year-round shipping between the Canadian hinterland and international markets. (Photo: Arctic Gateway Group)The Canadian port of Churchill on Hudson Bay could in f

09/10/2026, Heiner Kubny

Fibre-optic cable to connect Antarctica to the world

The Chilean research and logistics settlement centred around the Presidente Eduardo Frei Montalva Base on King George Island. The island is considered a possible terminus for a future fibre-optic link between South America and Antarctica. (Photo: Mefisto29 / Wikimedia Commons)Antarctica could, for t

09/08/2026, Heiner Kubny

Krill fishery reaches catch limit months ahead of schedule

Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) is a keystone species in the Southern Ocean’s food web. These small crustaceans are an important food source for whales, penguins, seals and fish. (Photo: Uwe Kils / Wikimedia Commons)The krill fishery in Antarctica has once again been brought to a premature close

09/06/2026, Heiner Kubny

India plans its first polar and ocean museum in Goa

The Bharati research station in the Larsemann Hills of East Antarctica is India’s most modern Antarctic base. Since 2012, it has served as a base for international research projects on climate, geology, glaciology and oceanography. (Photo: NCPOR)India aims to raise public awareness of its polar and

Society

09/27/2026, Rosamaria Kubny

Arctic Char – the “Bread of the Arctic”

The Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) is one of the most important food fish for the Inuit and is considered the quintessential traditional staple food in many regions of Canada, Greenland, and Alaska. Because of its central importance, it is often referred to as the “bread of the Arctic.”For the Inu

09/26/2026, Polar Journal AG Team

Canada Advances Decades-Old Northern Highway Project

The proposed Mackenzie Valley Highway would stretch around 800 kilometres. Pictured is another all-season road in the Mackenzie Delta, under construction in 2013. (Image: Adam Jones / CC BY-SA 2.0 / cropped)A highway envisioned nearly 70 years ago is moving forward again as Canada invests in a long-

09/21/2026, Yana Kirichenko

What Makes a Good Life in the Arctic?

Tasiilaq on the east coast of Greenland. Researchers argue that life in the Arctic requires its own indicators of well-being. (Image: Christine Zenino / CC BY 2.0 / cropped)How do we know whether people are living well? When measuring life in the Arctic, researchers argue that standard measures may

09/19/2026, Marcel Schütz

Professor Molchanov: Legal dispute over Russian ship in Svalbard

Professor Molchanov (Image: Polar Journal)The Norwegian authorities detained the Russian Professor Molchanov in Barentsburg on 2 September under a court order. The measure stems from a compensation claim by Ukrainian energy group Naftogaz against Russia. All 69 passengers and crew members have now r

09/12/2026, Polar Journal AG Team

Arctic climate change, archaeology and Trump

In January 2025, President Donald Trump signed “Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential”, an executive order aimed at expanding and accelerating oil and gas development in Alaska. (Image: USGS / Public Domain)As climate change transforms Alaska, an academic calls for archaeology to beco

09/07/2026, Polar Journal AG Team

Longyearbyen Literature Festival marks 10 years

For ten years, the Longyearbyen Literature Festival has celebrated literature and culture in the High Arctic, bringing writers, readers and the local community together. (Image: Public Domain)The world’s northernmost literature festival has begun in Svalbard, bringing six days of literature, film an

09/05/2026, Yana Kirichenko

Indigenous Women’s Day Amid Greenland’s Contraception Case Legacy

September 5, 2026 marks the first International Day of Indigenous Women, while a decades-old case concerning their treatment in Greenland continues to be addressed. Nearly 90% of Greenland’s population is Inuit, comprising three major groups: the Kalaallit, the Iivit and the Inughuit/Avanersuarmiut.

08/24/2026, Yana Kirichenko

Russia tests new stratospheric technologies in the high Arctic

The nuclear-powered icebreaker 50 Let Pobedy. Those behind the experiments say that conducting such work regularly and at the required frequency is only possible with the support of Russia’s nuclear icebreaker fleet. (Image: Christopher Michel / CC BY 2.0 / cropped)First-of-their-kind experimental l

Culture

09/27/2026, Rosamaria Kubny

Arctic Char – the “Bread of the Arctic”

The Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) is one of the most important food fish for the Inuit and is considered the quintessential traditional staple food in many regions of Canada, Greenland, and Alaska. Because of its central importance, it is often referred to as the “bread of the Arctic.”For the Inu

09/21/2026, Yana Kirichenko

What Makes a Good Life in the Arctic?

Tasiilaq on the east coast of Greenland. Researchers argue that life in the Arctic requires its own indicators of well-being. (Image: Christine Zenino / CC BY 2.0 / cropped)How do we know whether people are living well? When measuring life in the Arctic, researchers argue that standard measures may

09/12/2026, Polar Journal AG Team

Arctic climate change, archaeology and Trump

In January 2025, President Donald Trump signed “Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential”, an executive order aimed at expanding and accelerating oil and gas development in Alaska. (Image: USGS / Public Domain)As climate change transforms Alaska, an academic calls for archaeology to beco

09/07/2026, Polar Journal AG Team

Longyearbyen Literature Festival marks 10 years

For ten years, the Longyearbyen Literature Festival has celebrated literature and culture in the High Arctic, bringing writers, readers and the local community together. (Image: Public Domain)The world’s northernmost literature festival has begun in Svalbard, bringing six days of literature, film an

08/31/2026, Yana Kirichenko

Russia maps its historical heritage on Svalbard

The Russian Geographical Society says it plans to document hundreds of objects linked to Russian history on Svalbard for a new Arctic heritage database and atlas. Barentsburg, seen from Grønfjorden, is Svalbard’s only permanently inhabited Russian settlement. (Image: Svalbard Photography)The Russian

08/22/2026, Yana Kirichenko

A Landmark Indigenous Circumpolar Art Exhibition Shines in Ottawa

Described as the world’s largest Indigenous circumpolar art exhibition ever organized, Qillaniq is still on view at the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa. The National Gallery of Canada holds a significant Inuit art collection and has a long history of presenting exhibitions featuring artists and

07/13/2026, Léa Zinsli

Pyramiden, Frozen in Time

Decades after its abandonment, the Soviet mining settlement of Pyramiden remains suspended between Arctic wilderness, preserved history and the slow return of nature. An abandoned swing in Pyramiden (Photo: Léa Zinsli)Pyramiden is often described as a ghost town, but the former Soviet settlement on

07/03/2026, Polar Journal AG Team

How Early Explorers Survived the Cold

Survival in the polar regions depended on practical skills, careful planning, and the ability to adapt to extreme cold. Early polar expeditions required practical skills to travel across snow and ice and withstand extreme coldEarly polar explorers faced extreme cold without the advanced technology w

Economy

09/26/2026, Polar Journal AG Team

Canada Advances Decades-Old Northern Highway Project

The proposed Mackenzie Valley Highway would stretch around 800 kilometres. Pictured is another all-season road in the Mackenzie Delta, under construction in 2013. (Image: Adam Jones / CC BY-SA 2.0 / cropped)A highway envisioned nearly 70 years ago is moving forward again as Canada invests in a long-

09/21/2026, Yana Kirichenko

What Makes a Good Life in the Arctic?

Tasiilaq on the east coast of Greenland. Researchers argue that life in the Arctic requires its own indicators of well-being. (Image: Christine Zenino / CC BY 2.0 / cropped)How do we know whether people are living well? When measuring life in the Arctic, researchers argue that standard measures may

09/16/2026, Heiner Kubny

Churchill could become a year-round Arctic port

An aerial view of the port of Churchill on Hudson Bay. The grain terminal, rail link and quay facilities could play a key role in future year-round shipping between the Canadian hinterland and international markets. (Photo: Arctic Gateway Group)The Canadian port of Churchill on Hudson Bay could in f

09/13/2026, Heiner Kubny

Tara Polar Station meets Xue Long 2 in the Arctic pack ice

On 9 September 2026, the Tara Polar Station reached its planned drift area in the central Arctic Ocean. In the background is the Chinese research icebreaker Xue Long 2, which helped Tara navigate through the pack ice to the selected ice floe. There, at 82°24′ N, 155°03′ E, the planned drift through

09/08/2026, Heiner Kubny

Krill fishery reaches catch limit months ahead of schedule

Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) is a keystone species in the Southern Ocean’s food web. These small crustaceans are an important food source for whales, penguins, seals and fish. (Photo: Uwe Kils / Wikimedia Commons)The krill fishery in Antarctica has once again been brought to a premature close

08/27/2026, Heiner Kubny

New Russian nuclear-powered icebreaker delayed

The ‘Chukotka’ in the Arctic pack ice. (AI-generated illustration: PolarJournal)Russia’s expansion of its nuclear-powered icebreaker fleet is being delayed. The ‘Chukotka’, the next icebreaker in the Project 22220 class, is not due to enter service at the end of 2026 as planned, but not until 2027.T

08/26/2026, Heiner Kubny

South Korea tests container route through the Arctic

The PanStar Acro in the port of Busan ahead of its first trial voyage via the Northern Sea Route to Europe. The 2,758 TEU container ship is set to explore new possibilities for a shorter sea route between South Korea and Europe. (Photo: PanStar Group)South Korea is entering the race for new shipping

08/25/2026, Heiner Kubny

Norway continues to rely on oil and gas from the Arctic

The LNG plant on Melkøya near Hammerfest at dusk. On the right, the gas tanker Arctic Discoverer is docked at the terminal to be loaded. (Photo: Virtual-Pano / Wikimedia Commons)Norway intends to continue developing its oil and gas reserves in the Barents Sea – even though the European Union is crit

Tourism

08/11/2026, Rosamaria Kubny

Visits to South Georgia will become more expensive from July 2026

Gold Harbour, South Georgia: A southern elephant seal rests on the beach, whilst visitors respectfully observe the extraordinary wildlife from a distance. With its huge king penguin colony and mighty glaciers, Gold Harbour is one of the most impressive nature and wildlife viewing areas in the South

08/06/2026, Heiner Kubny

Solar eclipses in the Solar System

Solar eclipses occur throughout the solar system. However, the way they manifest varies from planet to planet. The solar corona is only visible during a total solar eclipse, when the Moon completely obscures the bright solar disc.A total solar eclipse is one of the most impressive natural phenomena

07/30/2026, Heiner Kubny

How much tourism can Antarctica sustain?

Whilst expedition ships carrying fewer than 500 passengers allow shore excursions, large cruise ships such as the Celebrity Equinox, carrying over 3,100 passengers, usually sail through Antarctica without allowing passengers to go ashore. (Photo: Celebrity Cruises)Tourism in Antarctica has been grow

07/25/2026, Gastautor

From Mexico City to the Arctic: Chasing a Polar Ice Swimming Dream

Dreams often begin in the most unexpected places. Arleen González Pérez's dream started in Mexico City - a place where icy water simply does not exist. Yet that never stopped her from pursuing her passion for ice swimming. Team behind the world recordBy Arleen González PérezDreams often begin in the

07/04/2026, Polar Journal AG Team

Arctic Row 2026: Swiss Expedition Plans Historic Row Across the Arctic

Happy Days underway in Adventfjorden (Photo: Janic Spinas)Four Swiss adventurers will begin the Arctic Row 2026 expedition at midnight between 3 and 4 July 2026, departing from Svalbard. Their goal is to complete a historic human-powered row of more than 3,000 kilometres to the edge of the Arctic se

06/21/2026, Heiner Kubny

Qaqortoq Airport has opened

The new airport in Qaqortoq takes over the role of the former Narsarsuaq Airport and becomes the central air hub of South Greenland. (Photo: Greenland Airports)With the official opening of the new airport in Qaqortoq on April 16, 2026, South Greenland entered a new phase of economic and tourism deve

06/17/2026, Heiner Kubny

Tourism: Murmansk Reconnects with Svalbard

The Professor Molchanov belongs to the so-called “Akademik Shuleykin class” of small research vessels. It was specifically designed to operate in cold waters and near-ice regions, making it particularly suitable for expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctic.After an interruption of almost three decade

05/16/2026, Léa Zinsli

Rain, Slush and Record Temperatures Mark April on Svalbard

Exceptionally warm temperatures and heavy rain disrupted research, tourism and winter activities across Svalbard during one of the Arctic archipelago’s warmest Aprils on record. Snowmobiles stand on wet, melting tundra in Longyearbyen on April 19th during an exceptionally warm spring on Svalbard (Ph

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