There has been a drastic rise in the population of emperor penguins in the world. Satellite observations have found nearly a dozen new colonies of the iconic species in Antarctica.

Emperor penguins are a species known for their long, complicated breeding process. They often face challenges from the forces of nature. It's not easy for their numbers to grow. They are faced with the threat of global warming.

But in development, new groups of them have been found in Antarctica. The British Antarctic survey used the European Union's Sentinel-2 spacecraft.

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It scoured the edges of the continent. Looking for emperor penguin activity. Identifying those that have gone unrecognised before.

It's impossible to count individual penguins from orbit. But the researchers can estimate numbers in colonies. From the size of the birds' huddles.

The locations were identified from the way the birds' poo or guano had stained large patches of sea-ice.

The satellite's infrared imagery found 8 breeding sites. And confirmed the presence of three others which were mooted at a time when there were no high-resolution space pictures.

Two of the new locations are in the antarctic peninsula region.

Three are in the western part of the continent and six others are in the east. The new finds take the number of known active breeding sites from 50 to 61.

It seems that these emperor penguin groups like to keep at least a 100 km distance between themselves.

And the new sites maintain that distancing discipline.

The discovery pushes up the emperor penguins population by 5-10 per cent.

There are now more than 278,500 breeding pairs.

However, all the cheer over the new findings. Needs to be tempered with a reality check.

The emperor penguin's whole life cycle is centred around the availability of sea-ice.

And climate models have projected that. They are set to melt fast in the coming decades.

This could have a catastrophic effect on the penguins' ability to survive.

Forecasts have said that their population could crash by a half or even more by the year 2100.

There has been a drastic rise in the population of emperor penguins in the world. Satellite observations have found nearly a dozen new colonies of the iconic species in Antarctica.

There has been a drastic rise in the population of emperor penguins in the world. Satellite observations have found nearly a dozen new colonies of the iconic species in Antarctica. Emperor penguins are a species known for their long, complicated breeding process. They often face challenges from the forces of nature. It's not easy for their numbers to grow. They are faced with the threat of global warming. But in development, new groups of them have been found in Antarctica. The British Antarctic survey used the European Union's Sentinel-2 spacecraft. It scoured the edges of the continent. Looking for emperor penguin activity. Identifying those that have gone unrecognised before. It's impossible to count individual penguins from orbit. But the researchers can estimate numbers in colonies. From the size of the birds' huddles. The locations were identified from the way the birds' poo or guano had stained large patches of sea-ice. The satellite's infrared imagery found 8 breeding sites. And confirmed the presence of three others which were mooted at a time when there were no high-resolution space pictures. Two of the new locations are in the antarctic peninsula region. Three are in the western part of the continent and six others are in the east. The new finds take the number of known active breeding sites from 50 to 61. It seems that these emperor penguin groups like to keep at least a 100 km distance between themselves. And the new sites maintain that distancing discipline. The discovery pushes up the emperor penguins population by 5-10 per cent. There are now more than 278,500 breeding pairs. However, all the cheer over the new findings. Needs to be tempered with a reality check. The emperor penguin's whole life cycle is centred around the availability of sea-ice. And climate models have projected that. They are set to melt fast in the coming decades. This could have a catastrophic effect on the penguins' ability to survive. Forecasts have said that their population could crash by a half or even more by the year 2100.

Satellite observations find drastic rise in population of emperor penguins

The postcard image of a snow-clad&nbsp;landmass that we all know as Antarctica may be a thing of the past.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/penguins-in-peril-chinstrap-colonies-in-western-antarctic-decline-as-global-warming-worsens-279997">Chinstrap penguins in peril: Colonies in Western Antarctic decline as global warming worsens</a>

Temperatures in Antarctica are rising rapidly, prompting fears of climate instability and now the region has registered temperature of more than 20 degrees celsius for the first time on record.&nbsp;

Scientists in Antarctica have recorded a new high temperature of 20.75 degrees celsius or 69.35 Fahrenheit.

Brazilian researcher Carlos Schaefer has said on record that the region has never witnessed a temperature this high.

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It is quite alarming because the temperature has crossed the barrier of 20 degrees for the first time in Antarctica.

It is important to note that the 20.75 degrees celsius logged by Brazilian scientists at Seymour island on February 9 was almost a full degree higher than another alarming figure recorded almost four&nbsp;decades ago.

In January 1982, a previously high temperature of 19.8-degree celsius had been recorded on Signy Island.

The researcher, Shaeffer, has cautioned that the reading is a "one-off" and is not part of a long-term data set. He also says that the reading has no meaning with respect to a "climate change trend".

This alarming news comes a week after Argentina's national meteorological service recorded&nbsp;the hottest day at 18.3 degrees celsius at midday near the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula.

The postcard image of a snow-clad landmass that we all know as Antarctica may be a thing of the past. Also read- Chinstrap penguins in peril: Colonies in Western Antarctic decline as global warming worsens Temperatures in Antarctica are rising rapidly, prompting fears of climate instability and now the region has registered temperature of more than 20 degrees celsius for the first time on record.

The postcard image of a snow-clad landmass that we all know as Antarctica may be a thing of the past. Also read- Chinstrap penguins in peril: Colonies in Western Antarctic decline as global warming worsens Temperatures in Antarctica are rising rapidly, prompting fears of climate instability and now the region has registered temperature of more than 20 degrees celsius for the first time on record. Scientists in Antarctica have recorded a new high temperature of 20.75 degrees celsius or 69.35 Fahrenheit. Brazilian researcher Carlos Schaefer has said on record that the region has never witnessed a temperature this high. × It is quite alarming because the temperature has crossed the barrier of 20 degrees for the first time in Antarctica. It is important to note that the 20.75 degrees celsius logged by Brazilian scientists at Seymour island on February 9 was almost a full degree higher than another alarming figure recorded almost four decades ago. In January 1982, a previously high temperature of 19.8-degree celsius had been recorded on Signy Island. The researcher, Shaeffer, has cautioned that the reading is a "one-off" and is not part of a long-term data set. He also says that the reading has no meaning with respect to a "climate change trend". This alarming news comes a week after Argentina's national meteorological service recorded the hottest day at 18.3 degrees celsius at midday near the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Antarctic meltdown: Snow paradise registers over 20 degrees celsius for first time

Surprising images of Antarctica without snow emerged from Chile as the southern tip of the South American country near Antarctica experiences unusually high temperatures amid concern for global warming.

This is what Antarctica looks like without snow

Tens of millions of people in the United States are bracing for a potentially life-threatening deep arctic chill forecast to hit swaths of the country on Wednesday.

Companies have told their workers to stay home, schools are closed and hundreds of flights have been cancelled.

The US Postal Service — known for its commitment to bringing the mail whatever the weather — has even reportedly suspended deliveries in Iowa due to the severe cold.

Temperatures in almost a dozen states stretching more than 1,200 miles (1,930 kilometres) from the Dakotas to Ohio were forecast to be the coldest in a generation, if not on record.

"One of the coldest arctic air mass intrusions in recent memory is surging south into the Upper Midwest before spreading across much of the eastern two-thirds of the country," the National Weather Service said.

"Expect frigid temperatures, bitterly cold and life-threatening wind chills, likely leading to widespread record lows and low maximum temperatures from the Upper Midwest to the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley."

The cause is <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-what-is-the-polar-vortex-and-why-is-it-so-cold-193834">a swirl of arctic air that broke away from the polar vortex that usually encircles the North Pole</a>.&nbsp;

The National Weather Service forecast temperatures between -10 to -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-23 to -40 °C) by Wednesday across the Midwest, with wind chills making it seem as cold as -65 degrees Fahrenheit in one area of Minnesota.

Chicago, America's third largest city, was expected to be colder than parts of Antarctica.

Authorities in Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin put emergency measures in place to handle the frigid weather.&nbsp;

"We need everyone to do your part and make sure you and your families are prepared," said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.

Frostbite warnings

&nbsp;Americans were asked to stay home if possible Wednesday when temperatures are expected to be at their coldest.&nbsp;

Scores of schools, businesses and government agencies announced closures in multiple states.

"People exposed to extreme cold are susceptible to frostbite in a matter of minutes," warned the NWS.&nbsp;

Lawrence Gottlieb of the University of Chicago Medical Center said the threat was significant "when temps fall below zero, especially when there is a strong wind."

Some 160 warming centres were opened in Chicago, where temperatures could potentially equal or exceed the all-time record of -27 degrees Fahrenheit. With the wind chill, it would feel like -40 °C or -50 °C, officials said.&nbsp;

"They are life-threatening conditions and temperatures," Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel told a news conference.&nbsp;

In Minneapolis, officials allowed residents to stay on public buses and trains for warmth.&nbsp;

<img alt="Midwest cold" data-align="left" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="856af3ba-b8b6-47da-88a4-bebf417fdeb3" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2878%29.jpg" />

<img alt="Midwest cold2" data-align="left" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="db659949-7986-4c03-95c4-27d13475df01" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2877%29.jpg" />

(A man walks along the Chicago River (top) and a pedestrian stops to take a picture of the river. Photos: Reuters)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Snow storm

In the northeastern and southern United States, snow was falling.

A cold emergency was declared in the US capital Washington, with additional services put on for the homeless.

In Atlanta, some 300 flights were cancelled Tuesday as the city prepares for the Super Bowl and more than 400 were cancelled in Chicago, a major regional hub for US airlines.&nbsp;

In Canada, the icy temperatures — stretching from Manitoba in the western Prairies region to the Atlantic seaboard — prompted a rare "hazardous" cold warning from the government.&nbsp;

Environment Canada reported record-breaking snowfall at the Ottawa airport, where some 50 flights were cancelled, with an accumulation of nearly a meter (more than three feet).

An additional 200 flights were cancelled at Toronto's airport.&nbsp;

Global warming?

Scientists say climate change is causing more extreme weather, and one theory for polar vortex chills is that arctic air currents usually trapped around the North Pole are weakened and dislodged by a warming climate.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump used the occasion to again voice skepticism about climate change, tweeting: "What the hell is going on with Global Warming? (sic) Please come back fast, we need you!"

But the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which operates NWS, tweeted, "Winter storms don't prove that global warming isn't happening," with a link to a 2015 explanatory article.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Tens of millions of people in the United States are bracing for a potentially life-threatening deep arctic chill forecast to hit swaths of the country on Wednesday.

Tens of millions of people in the United States are bracing for a potentially life-threatening deep arctic chill forecast to hit swaths of the country on Wednesday. Companies have told their workers to stay home, schools are closed and hundreds of flights have been cancelled. The US Postal Service — known for its commitment to bringing the mail whatever the weather — has even reportedly suspended deliveries in Iowa due to the severe cold. Temperatures in almost a dozen states stretching more than 1,200 miles (1,930 kilometres) from the Dakotas to Ohio were forecast to be the coldest in a generation, if not on record. "One of the coldest arctic air mass intrusions in recent memory is surging south into the Upper Midwest before spreading across much of the eastern two-thirds of the country," the National Weather Service said. "Expect frigid temperatures, bitterly cold and life-threatening wind chills, likely leading to widespread record lows and low maximum temperatures from the Upper Midwest to the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley." The cause is a swirl of arctic air that broke away from the polar vortex that usually encircles the North Pole. The National Weather Service forecast temperatures between -10 to -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-23 to -40 °C) by Wednesday across the Midwest, with wind chills making it seem as cold as -65 degrees Fahrenheit in one area of Minnesota. Chicago, America's third largest city, was expected to be colder than parts of Antarctica. Authorities in Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin put emergency measures in place to handle the frigid weather. "We need everyone to do your part and make sure you and your families are prepared," said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. Frostbite warnings Americans were asked to stay home if possible Wednesday when temperatures are expected to be at their coldest. Scores of schools, businesses and government agencies announced closures in multiple states. "People exposed to extreme cold are susceptible to frostbite in a matter of minutes," warned the NWS. Lawrence Gottlieb of the University of Chicago Medical Center said the threat was significant "when temps fall below zero, especially when there is a strong wind." Some 160 warming centres were opened in Chicago, where temperatures could potentially equal or exceed the all-time record of -27 degrees Fahrenheit. With the wind chill, it would feel like -40 °C or -50 °C, officials said. "They are life-threatening conditions and temperatures," Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel told a news conference. In Minneapolis, officials allowed residents to stay on public buses and trains for warmth. (A man walks along the Chicago River (top) and a pedestrian stops to take a picture of the river. Photos: Reuters) Snow storm In the northeastern and southern United States, snow was falling. A cold emergency was declared in the US capital Washington, with additional services put on for the homeless. In Atlanta, some 300 flights were cancelled Tuesday as the city prepares for the Super Bowl and more than 400 were cancelled in Chicago, a major regional hub for US airlines. In Canada, the icy temperatures — stretching from Manitoba in the western Prairies region to the Atlantic seaboard — prompted a rare "hazardous" cold warning from the government. Environment Canada reported record-breaking snowfall at the Ottawa airport, where some 50 flights were cancelled, with an accumulation of nearly a meter (more than three feet). An additional 200 flights were cancelled at Toronto's airport. Global warming? Scientists say climate change is causing more extreme weather, and one theory for polar vortex chills is that arctic air currents usually trapped around the North Pole are weakened and dislodged by a warming climate. President Donald Trump used the occasion to again voice skepticism about climate change, tweeting: "What the hell is going on with Global Warming? (sic) Please come back fast, we need you!" But the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which operates NWS, tweeted, "Winter storms don't prove that global warming isn't happening," with a link to a 2015 explanatory article.

Chicago colder than Antarctica: -40 °C temperatures forecast for US Midwest

An American adventurer has become the first person to complete a solo trek across Antarctica without assistance of any kind.

Colin O'Brady, 33, took 54 days to complete the nearly 1,000-mile (1,600-kilometer) crossing of the frozen continent from coast to coast.

In an Instagram post, he explained his journey ended upon crossing the edge of the Ross Ice Shelf: the point where Antarctica's land mass ends. It lies at the head of Ross Sea, a deep bay of the Southern Ocean.

"I accomplished my goal: to become the first person in history to traverse the continent of Antarctica coast to coast solo, unsupported and unaided," O'Brady wrote on Instagram after covering the final 77.5 miles in 32 hours.

"While the last 32 hours were some of the most challenging hours of my life, they have quite honestly been some of the best moments I have ever experienced," he wrote.

"I was locked in a deep flow state the entire time, equally focused on the end goal, while allowing my mind to recount the profound lessons of this journey. I'm delirious writing this as I haven't slept yet."

His voyage was tracked by GPS, and live updates of the trip were provided daily on his website colinobrady.com.

O'Brady and an Englishman, army Captain Louis Rudd, 49, set off individually on November 3 from Union Glacier in a bid to be the first to complete a solo, unassisted crossing of Antarctica.

In 1996-97, a Norwegian polar explorer, Borge Ousland, made the first solo crossing of Antarctica but he was wind-aided by kites on his voyage.

Finishing 'in one go'

O'Brady and Rudd set off on cross-country skis dragging sleds called pulks which weighed nearly 400 pounds (180 kilograms).

O'Brady reached the South Pole on December 12, the 40th day of his journey.

He arrived at the finish point on the Ross Ice Shelf on the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday after covering a total of 921 miles.

Rudd is about a day or two behind.

O'Brady said he made the decision over breakfast to finish his journey in one continuous push -- which he dubbed an "Antarctica Ultramarathon."

"As I was boiling water for my morning oatmeal, a seemingly impossible question popped into my head," O'Brady wrote on Instagram. "I wonder, would (it) be possible to do one straight continuous push all the way to the end?

"By the time I was lacing up my boots the impossible plan had become a solidified goal," he said. "I'm going to push on and try to finish all 80 miles to the end in one go."

The New York Times described O'Brady's effort as among the "most remarkable feats in polar history," ranking alongside the 1911 "Race to the South Pole" between Norway's Roald Amundsen and England's Robert Falcon Scott.

"To complete the final 77.54 miles in one shot -- essentially tacking an ultra marathon onto the 53rd day of an already unprecedented journey -- set an even higher bar for anyone who tries to surpass it," the Times wrote.

In 2016, an English army officer, Lieutenant Colonel Henry Worsley, died while trying to complete an unassisted solo crossing of Antarctica. &nbsp;

An American adventurer has become the first person to complete a solo trek across Antarctica without assistance of any kind. Colin O'Brady, 33, took 54 days to complete the nearly 1,000-mile (1,600-kilometer) crossing of the frozen continent from coast to coast.

An American adventurer has become the first person to complete a solo trek across Antarctica without assistance of any kind. Colin O'Brady, 33, took 54 days to complete the nearly 1,000-mile (1,600-kilometer) crossing of the frozen continent from coast to coast. In an Instagram post, he explained his journey ended upon crossing the edge of the Ross Ice Shelf: the point where Antarctica's land mass ends. It lies at the head of Ross Sea, a deep bay of the Southern Ocean. "I accomplished my goal: to become the first person in history to traverse the continent of Antarctica coast to coast solo, unsupported and unaided," O'Brady wrote on Instagram after covering the final 77.5 miles in 32 hours. "While the last 32 hours were some of the most challenging hours of my life, they have quite honestly been some of the best moments I have ever experienced," he wrote. "I was locked in a deep flow state the entire time, equally focused on the end goal, while allowing my mind to recount the profound lessons of this journey. I'm delirious writing this as I haven't slept yet." His voyage was tracked by GPS, and live updates of the trip were provided daily on his website colinobrady.com. O'Brady and an Englishman, army Captain Louis Rudd, 49, set off individually on November 3 from Union Glacier in a bid to be the first to complete a solo, unassisted crossing of Antarctica. In 1996-97, a Norwegian polar explorer, Borge Ousland, made the first solo crossing of Antarctica but he was wind-aided by kites on his voyage. Finishing 'in one go' O'Brady and Rudd set off on cross-country skis dragging sleds called pulks which weighed nearly 400 pounds (180 kilograms). O'Brady reached the South Pole on December 12, the 40th day of his journey. He arrived at the finish point on the Ross Ice Shelf on the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday after covering a total of 921 miles. Rudd is about a day or two behind. O'Brady said he made the decision over breakfast to finish his journey in one continuous push -- which he dubbed an "Antarctica Ultramarathon." "As I was boiling water for my morning oatmeal, a seemingly impossible question popped into my head," O'Brady wrote on Instagram. "I wonder, would (it) be possible to do one straight continuous push all the way to the end? "By the time I was lacing up my boots the impossible plan had become a solidified goal," he said. "I'm going to push on and try to finish all 80 miles to the end in one go." The New York Times described O'Brady's effort as among the "most remarkable feats in polar history," ranking alongside the 1911 "Race to the South Pole" between Norway's Roald Amundsen and England's Robert Falcon Scott. "To complete the final 77.54 miles in one shot -- essentially tacking an ultra marathon onto the 53rd day of an already unprecedented journey -- set an even higher bar for anyone who tries to surpass it," the Times wrote. In 2016, an English army officer, Lieutenant Colonel Henry Worsley, died while trying to complete an unassisted solo crossing of Antarctica.

In first, American adventurer completes solo trek across Antarctica

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