Antarctica Articles

I came across two very interesting articles about Polar Exploration I would like to share with you.
The first is about the Plato Observatory and the Chinese Antarctic Astronomy Program. This article found in the NY Times, Tuesday, February 19th, is full of fascinating information about the region and the history of the Chinese presence on the ice. It covers plans by the Chinese to establish a permanent observatory on Dome Argus on the Antarctic Plateau.
The second article features a story at the opposite pole. Russia's Claim Under Polar Ice Irks American is about an old colleague of mine from the Explorer's Club, Alfred S. McLauren, and his conflict with the Russian led expedition to the bottom of the ocean at the North Pole. I encourage you to read this very interesting front page story, also found in the February 19th NY Times.