Tara Polar Station is an aluminium igloo travelling to the Arctic with 12 people and a dog on board. It will drift through the North Pole for nearly 500 days and collect samples to study the impact of climate change. It will be a risky affair and is the first of 10 expeditions over 20 years.

500 days, -52 C, polar bears and total isolation: 12 humans and a dog undertake an arduous North Pole expedition

The notion of a flat Earth is not a modern invention. In ancient civilizations, such as those in Egypt and Babylon, the Earth was often depicted as a flat disc.

From ancient myths to modern obsession: Who are the flat earthers and what do they really believe?

Captain Harpreet Chandi, a former British Army officer from Derby, is taking on one of the toughest expeditions in history—a solo, unsupported trek to the North Pole. At 36, she aims to be the first woman to complete this nearly impossible journey, covering 500 miles of shifting sea ice in temperatures of minus 50°C. Watch in for more details!

Record holder Harpreet Chandi to tackle 500 miles of shifting ice

Ex-British army officer Harpreet Chandi aims to be first woman to reach North Pole solo

Ex-British Army Officer Harpreet Chandi Aims To Be First Woman To Reach North Pole Solo

Russia, the world's only operator of ships that can break through thick oceanic ice sheets (nuclear-powered icebreakers), carried out an international scientific expedition to the North Pole. Russia's nuclear power agency, Rosatom, was appointed the infrastructure operator of the Northern Sea Route, a Europe-Asia sea route that passes almost entirely through the frozen Arctic, large parts of which are within Russia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).&nbsp;

The respective countries would have rights over living and non-living resources in their EEZ, which is typically the stretch that extends 200 nautical miles from their shores. Rosatom considers the development of the Arctic infrastructure and shipping as one of its key tasks.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Titled 'Icebreaker of Knowledge', the expedition aboard the nuclear-powered icebreaker '50 Let Pobedy', involved participants from countries where the Russian nuclear power agency Rosatom is deploying nuclear technologies.&nbsp;

This includes Mongolia, Hungary, India, China, South Africa, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tunisia, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Belarus, Armenia, Uzbekistan, and others. Fifteen experts, delegates selected at the World Youth Festival, joined the team on the voyage to the North Pole.

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The voyagers brought over their respective national flags to the top of the planet. When the team went on the icy shores, the captain of the nuclear icebreaker 50 Let Pobedy, Ruslan Sasov addressed them within the framework of the northernmost lecture course organised by Rosatom jointly with Znanie Russian Society.&nbsp;

"Rosatom's Icebreaker of Knowledge expedition is going as planned. Representatives of 15 countries made the shortest round-the-world trip at the pole," the captain said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiNuvvf5Y2IAxU-2jgGHdbqF8AQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/first-case-of-walrus-dying-from-bird-flu-recorded-on-arctic-island-researcher-716830" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/first-case-of-walrus-dying-from-bird-flu-recorded-on-arctic-island-researcher-716830&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiNuvvf5Y2IAxU-2jgGHdbqF8AQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE">First case of Walrus dying from bird flu recorded on Arctic island: Researcher</a>

Rosatom's anniversary Arctic expedition "Icebreaker of Knowledge" is dedicated to the 65th anniversary of the nuclear icebreaker fleet. The present Russian nuclear icebreaker fleet includes seven icebreakers: the lead universal nuclear icebreaker Arktika, the first serial universal nuclear icebreaker Sibir, the second serial universal nuclear icebreaker Ural, the nuclear icebreakers Yamal, 50 Let Pobedy, Taimyr, and Vaigach.

Russia, the world's only operator of ships that can break through thick oceanic ice sheets (nuclear-powered icebreakers), carried out an international scientific expedition to the North Pole.

Russia, the world's only operator of ships that can break through thick oceanic ice sheets (nuclear-powered icebreakers), carried out an international scientific expedition to the North Pole. Russia's nuclear power agency, Rosatom, was appointed the infrastructure operator of the Northern Sea Route, a Europe-Asia sea route that passes almost entirely through the frozen Arctic, large parts of which are within Russia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The respective countries would have rights over living and non-living resources in their EEZ, which is typically the stretch that extends 200 nautical miles from their shores. Rosatom considers the development of the Arctic infrastructure and shipping as one of its key tasks. Titled 'Icebreaker of Knowledge', the expedition aboard the nuclear-powered icebreaker '50 Let Pobedy', involved participants from countries where the Russian nuclear power agency Rosatom is deploying nuclear technologies. This includes Mongolia, Hungary, India, China, South Africa, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tunisia, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Belarus, Armenia, Uzbekistan, and others. Fifteen experts, delegates selected at the World Youth Festival, joined the team on the voyage to the North Pole. Also read: Scientists warn of `Mercury bomb` in Arctic as melting permafrost threatens environment The voyagers brought over their respective national flags to the top of the planet. When the team went on the icy shores, the captain of the nuclear icebreaker 50 Let Pobedy, Ruslan Sasov addressed them within the framework of the northernmost lecture course organised by Rosatom jointly with Znanie Russian Society. "Rosatom's Icebreaker of Knowledge expedition is going as planned. Representatives of 15 countries made the shortest round-the-world trip at the pole," the captain said. Also read: First case of Walrus dying from bird flu recorded on Arctic island: Researcher Rosatom's anniversary Arctic expedition "Icebreaker of Knowledge" is dedicated to the 65th anniversary of the nuclear icebreaker fleet. The present Russian nuclear icebreaker fleet includes seven icebreakers: the lead universal nuclear icebreaker Arktika, the first serial universal nuclear icebreaker Sibir, the second serial universal nuclear icebreaker Ural, the nuclear icebreakers Yamal, 50 Let Pobedy, Taimyr, and Vaigach.

Russia's nuclear icebreaker undertakes international expedition to North Pole

Earth has a magnetic field which appears very similar to a bar magnet that has a north and south pole. However, it is not comparatively stable since it gets generated by complex processes which are going on in the inner crust of the planet.

Earth has a magnetic field which appears very similar to a bar magnet that has a north and south pole. However, it is not comparatively stable since it gets generated by complex processes which are going on in the inner crust of the planet. This leads to the wandering of the magnetic poles. The North Pole has been shifting at a speed of 15 kilometres every year historically. However, the pace of shifting has increased since the 1990s to about 55 kilometres per year in the direction of Siberia. It is believed that the shifting of poles may foreshadow a ‘magnetic reversal’ in which the locations of the magnetic north and south poles may change. As per the scientists, the location of the two poles has changed 171 times in the last 71 million years and now, Earth is overdue for a flip. Also Read: Will Earth turn as arid as Sahara Desert? Here's what disappearance of grasslands hint at Why have the magnetic poles not flipped? Models of the Earth’s magnetic field, which have been created on the basis of satellite observations, have hinted that the present wandering has taken place because of conflict between ‘blobs’ which have intense magnetic fields and are present deep inside the planet. However, no one is 100 per cent sure when the magnetic field of Earth will flip. What will happen if magnetic poles flip? The magnetic reversals were found by the scientists by measuring the magnetic field on the two sides of mid-Atlantic ridges. From the ridges, the molten rock flows slowly. As the molten rock solidifies, its crystals align in the direction of the magnetic field of the Earth and leave a ‘tape recording’ of reversals. Watch: Biggest solar flare in 10 years hits earth It is said that reversals take place over 1,000 to 10,000 years during which the magnetic field shrinks to zero, after which it grows again with the opposite polarity. Hence, for centuries, Earth did not have any magnetic field. Such an absence of a magnetic field is dangerous for life. This is because the magnetic field extends into space and creates a protective bubble around the planet and saves the Earth from the hurricane of particles emitted by the ‘solar wind’ of the Sun and higher energy ‘cosmic ray’ particles from deep space. (With inputs from agencies)

The deadline for flipping Earth's magnetic poles has long passed. Here's how it is threatening life

Three Russians have achieved a world record by parachuting from the Earth's stratosphere to the North Pole. The mission also served as a test for a new prototype communications system designed for Arctic use, according to one of the organisers.

Mikhail Korniyenko, Alexander Lynnik, and Denis Yefremov leapt from an Ilyushin-76 plane at an altitude of 10,500 metres (34,450 feet) and spent approximately two and a half minutes in freefall before using&nbsp;their parachutes 1,000 metres&nbsp;above the ground.

The entire descent was captured in a breath-taking video. Despite wearing heated masks, all three suffered frostbite on their cheeks due to the extreme cold, which felt like -70 degrees Celsius (-94 degrees Fahrenheit) as they plummeted at speeds exceeding 300 km/h.

They touched down near Russia's Barneo polar base, where Tsaplin mentioned they managed to activate a server using diesel generators and establish a satellite connection. The equipment had been airdropped earlier from a lower altitude.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-arrests-man-on-charges-of-spying-for-russia-and-plotting-zelenskys-assassination-712839">Also read |&nbsp;Poland arrests man on charges of spying for Russia and plotting Zelensky's assassination</a>

Communication in the Arctic is expected to become increasingly significant as countries like Russia, the United States, and China vie for resources, trade routes, and military advantages.

Tsaplin noted that the Russians were able to transmit data through an experimental system, although he admitted that, at this stage, it lacked the capabilities of US-based Iridium Communications Inc., which offers coverage from both of Earth's poles.

"Of course, our solution is a prototype, but still we managed, from our server, to connect with our satellite and to transfer data," said Tsaplin, who is managing partner and co-founder of Russian hosting provider RUVDS.

"Sure, it's not Iridium just yet, but we made some small steps in that direction and that was actually the task - to see how realistic it would be to build a low-cost solution in order to get access from a computer to a satellite," he told Reuters.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: 'Ukraine could lose war', says CIA director

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(With inputs from agencies)

Three Russians have achieved a world record by parachuting from the Earth's stratosphere to the North Pole. The mission also served as a test for a new prototype communications system designed for Arctic use, according to one of the organisers.

Three Russians have achieved a world record by parachuting from the Earth's stratosphere to the North Pole. The mission also served as a test for a new prototype communications system designed for Arctic use, according to one of the organisers. Mikhail Korniyenko, Alexander Lynnik, and Denis Yefremov leapt from an Ilyushin-76 plane at an altitude of 10,500 metres (34,450 feet) and spent approximately two and a half minutes in freefall before using their parachutes 1,000 metres above the ground. The entire descent was captured in a breath-taking video. Despite wearing heated masks, all three suffered frostbite on their cheeks due to the extreme cold, which felt like -70 degrees Celsius (-94 degrees Fahrenheit) as they plummeted at speeds exceeding 300 km/h. They touched down near Russia's Barneo polar base, where Tsaplin mentioned they managed to activate a server using diesel generators and establish a satellite connection. The equipment had been airdropped earlier from a lower altitude. Also read | Poland arrests man on charges of spying for Russia and plotting Zelensky's assassination Communication in the Arctic is expected to become increasingly significant as countries like Russia, the United States, and China vie for resources, trade routes, and military advantages. Tsaplin noted that the Russians were able to transmit data through an experimental system, although he admitted that, at this stage, it lacked the capabilities of US-based Iridium Communications Inc., which offers coverage from both of Earth's poles. "Of course, our solution is a prototype, but still we managed, from our server, to connect with our satellite and to transfer data," said Tsaplin, who is managing partner and co-founder of Russian hosting provider RUVDS. "Sure, it's not Iridium just yet, but we made some small steps in that direction and that was actually the task - to see how realistic it would be to build a low-cost solution in order to get access from a computer to a satellite," he told Reuters. Also watch | Russia-Ukraine war: 'Ukraine could lose war', says CIA director (With inputs from agencies)

3 Russians parachute from Stratosphere to North Pole, set world record

European Space Agency's (ESA) Mars Express spacecraft has captured a breathtaking image near Mars’s northern pole, showing the meeting point of vast sand dunes and layers of icy sedimentation covering the planet’s polar region.

Mars Express mission was launched on June 2, 2003, and it arrived on the Red Planet in December of that year.&nbsp;The mission is still in operation and continues to probe the Martian atmosphere, surface, and subsurface.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This breathtaking view is from the Martian landscape surrounding the north pole, known as Planum Boreum. Layers of fine dust and water ice, stacked several kilometres thick and extending over 1000 km, create a mesmerising vista.

The lowest altitude regions are blue or green and the highest are red, white or brown, indicating the varying elevations and composition of the layered deposits.

These layers, formed over millennia as a combination of dust, water ice, and frost settled on the Martian surface, hold crucial clues to the planet's climatic history, offering insights into how Mars's environment has evolved over millions of years.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangs-heard-during-titan-submersible-search-to-be-heard-for-1st-time-in-new-documentary-695027">Bangs heard during Titan submersible search to be heard for 1st time in new documentary</a>

<h2>Martian winters&nbsp;</h2>

What is more intriguing is that as the Martian winter arrives, these layers are capped by a thin sheet of dry ice. Later, once summer kicks in these sheets disappear into the atmosphere.&nbsp;

The latest image was captured by the Mars Express High-Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC). It shows a breathtaking view from the Martian terrain which marked a beautiful transition from layered and ripped sand deposits/dunes to expansive smooth sand dunes.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/7300-year-old-underwater-volcano-eruption-emerges-as-largest-in-history-reveals-new-study-694976">7,300-year-old underwater volcano eruption emerges as largest in history, reveals new study</a>

The image beautifully captured&nbsp;a vast expanse of rippled sand dunes stretching over 150 km.&nbsp;

Watch | London is most exposed city to air pollution from aviation, study finds

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The picture also captured the contrasting landscapes with two imposing semicircular cliffs, each around 20 km wide, towering up to a kilometre high. These cliffs on the Martian planet are shaped by wind erosion and surface wear.

(With inputs from agencies)

European Space Agency's (ESA) Mars Express spacecraft has captured a breathtaking image near Mars’s northern pole, showing the meeting point of vast sand dunes and layers of icy sedimentation covering the planet’s polar region.

European Space Agency's (ESA) Mars Express spacecraft has captured a breathtaking image near Mars’s northern pole, showing the meeting point of vast sand dunes and layers of icy sedimentation covering the planet’s polar region. Mars Express mission was launched on June 2, 2003, and it arrived on the Red Planet in December of that year. The mission is still in operation and continues to probe the Martian atmosphere, surface, and subsurface. This breathtaking view is from the Martian landscape surrounding the north pole, known as Planum Boreum. Layers of fine dust and water ice, stacked several kilometres thick and extending over 1000 km, create a mesmerising vista. The lowest altitude regions are blue or green and the highest are red, white or brown, indicating the varying elevations and composition of the layered deposits. These layers, formed over millennia as a combination of dust, water ice, and frost settled on the Martian surface, hold crucial clues to the planet's climatic history, offering insights into how Mars's environment has evolved over millions of years. Also Read | Bangs heard during Titan submersible search to be heard for 1st time in new documentary Martian winters What is more intriguing is that as the Martian winter arrives, these layers are capped by a thin sheet of dry ice. Later, once summer kicks in these sheets disappear into the atmosphere. The latest image was captured by the Mars Express High-Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC). It shows a breathtaking view from the Martian terrain which marked a beautiful transition from layered and ripped sand deposits/dunes to expansive smooth sand dunes. Also Read | 7,300-year-old underwater volcano eruption emerges as largest in history, reveals new study The image beautifully captured a vast expanse of rippled sand dunes stretching over 150 km. Watch | London is most exposed city to air pollution from aviation, study finds × The picture also captured the contrasting landscapes with two imposing semicircular cliffs, each around 20 km wide, towering up to a kilometre high. These cliffs on the Martian planet are shaped by wind erosion and surface wear. (With inputs from agencies)

Sand dunes meet ice layers on Martian North Pole in stunning images shared by Mars Express spacecraft

NASA scientists have found a vortex of relatively warm air swirling over the north pole in Uranus, providing strong evidence for the first time on the existence of a cyclone.

The unique phenomenon was observed from a telescope located in New Mexico, which provided a deeper understanding of the planet’s atmosphere, including the discovery of the polar cyclone whose centre measures a quarter of Earth's diameter.

The scientists used microwave observations to spot the first polar cyclone on Uranus.

With the help of the Very Large Array radio telescope, scientists were able to look past Uranus’s clouds.

This helped them determine that the air at the north pole was quite warm and dry—which NASA believes—are the common traits of a strong cyclone. The observations were collected in 2015, 2021, and 2022.

The discovery has changed the understanding of Uranus that was initially seemed to be atmospherically inert when NASA's Voyager 2 spacecraft flew past the giant ice-laden planet in January 1986.

“While the general makeup of its atmosphere and interior are similar to Neptune - as far as we know - Uranus has some pretty unique features," said planetary scientist Alex Akins of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, lead author of the research published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.

"It spins on its side. And even then, its magnetic field is still misaligned with its rotational axis. The atmospheric circulation and internal heat release appear weaker than Neptune, but there are still a range of dynamical features and storms that have been observed," Akins added.

<h2>Uranus’ vortex different from Earth’s</h2>

However, unlike Earth's cyclones, the polar vortex swarming over Uranus is not formed of water vapour but of ices of methane, ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, the scientists noted.

Nor does the storm drift, instead remaining rooted to the pole. Little else is known about it at this time.

Most of the planets in our solar system have shown signs of a swirling vortex at the poles, irrespective of whether they are composed of rock or gas

They have been previously observed on Venus, Earth,&nbsp;Mars,&nbsp;Jupiter,&nbsp;Saturn, Uranus (at its south pole) and Neptune.

It is believed that high-altitude atmospheric jet streams are responsible for the formation of these vortices, although the details differ on each planet.

(With inputs from agencies)

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NASA scientists have found a vortex of relatively warm air swirling over the north pole in Uranus, providing strong evidence for the first time on the existence of a cyclone.

NASA scientists have found a vortex of relatively warm air swirling over the north pole in Uranus, providing strong evidence for the first time on the existence of a cyclone. The unique phenomenon was observed from a telescope located in New Mexico, which provided a deeper understanding of the planet’s atmosphere, including the discovery of the polar cyclone whose centre measures a quarter of Earth's diameter. The scientists used microwave observations to spot the first polar cyclone on Uranus. With the help of the Very Large Array radio telescope, scientists were able to look past Uranus’s clouds. This helped them determine that the air at the north pole was quite warm and dry—which NASA believes—are the common traits of a strong cyclone. The observations were collected in 2015, 2021, and 2022. The discovery has changed the understanding of Uranus that was initially seemed to be atmospherically inert when NASA's Voyager 2 spacecraft flew past the giant ice-laden planet in January 1986. “While the general makeup of its atmosphere and interior are similar to Neptune - as far as we know - Uranus has some pretty unique features," said planetary scientist Alex Akins of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, lead author of the research published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters. "It spins on its side. And even then, its magnetic field is still misaligned with its rotational axis. The atmospheric circulation and internal heat release appear weaker than Neptune, but there are still a range of dynamical features and storms that have been observed," Akins added. Uranus’ vortex different from Earth’s However, unlike Earth's cyclones, the polar vortex swarming over Uranus is not formed of water vapour but of ices of methane, ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, the scientists noted. Nor does the storm drift, instead remaining rooted to the pole. Little else is known about it at this time. Most of the planets in our solar system have shown signs of a swirling vortex at the poles, irrespective of whether they are composed of rock or gas They have been previously observed on Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus (at its south pole) and Neptune. It is believed that high-altitude atmospheric jet streams are responsible for the formation of these vortices, although the details differ on each planet. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

In a first, NASA finds strong cyclone swirling on north pole of Uranus

Thermal expansion of seawater, glacier and ice-sheet melt and changes in groundwater storage are among the factors that have contributed in the rise in global sea level by about 20 cm over the past century, a new study published in a British journal has highlighted with a warning. "This trend is likely to accelerate in response to increasing atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations and anthropogenic warming," underlines the study published online this month by Nature. The response of the Antarctic ice-sheet (AIS) to greenhouse warming is highly unpredictable, researchers point out, stressing that lives of a large proportion of global population is at risk due to such uncertainties. Experts, who have conducted the study, have also warned that the collapse of ice sheets at both North Pole and South Pole could start sooner than expected.

If the world does not reach the net zero emissions goal by 2060, it could have an impact on water bodies worldwide, the researchers have demonstrated using simulations, stressing that sea levels could rise by five feet. “If we miss this emission goal, the ice sheets will disintegrate and melt at an accelerated pace, according to our calculations.” Professor Axel Timmermann, director of South Korea-based IBS Center for Climate Physics (ICCP), was quoted as saying in reports.

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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<h2>When UN Chief sounded alarm over rising sea levels</h2>

 
Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, earlier this month also spoke about the danger of rising sea levels at the Munich Security Conference. "Global average sea levels have risen faster since 1900 than over any preceding century in the last 3,000 years.&nbsp; The global ocean has warmed faster over the past century than at any time in the past 11,000 years," he said.

 
Citing findings of the World Meteorological Organization, he further said: "The WMO tells us that even if global heating is miraculously limited to 1.5 degrees, there will still be a sizeable sea level rise. Mega-cities on every continent will face serious impacts including Lagos, Maputo, Bangkok, Dhaka, Jakarta, Mumbai, Shanghai, Copenhagen, London, Los Angeles, New York, Buenos Aires and Santiago.&nbsp; The danger is especially acute for nearly 900 million people who live in coastal zones at low elevations — that’s one out of ten people on earth."

Also read: <a href="wionews.com/world/first-time-in-52-years-worlds-longest-skating-rink-to-close-due-to-global-warming-565094">For the first time in 52 years, world’s longest skating rink to close due to global warming</a>

Last year, a group of 28 sea-level scientists and practitioners of the World Climate Research Programme, which was established in 1980 under the joint sponsorship of WMO and the International Council for Science (ICSU), revealed their findings. "The collapse of major Antarctic ice shelves at the end of the century followed by increased discharge of ice may lead to a 9-10 meter catastrophic sea-level rise by 2300 under a strong warming scenario," the group underlined. "Fulfilling the Paris Agreement will greatly reduce the potential or high-end sea-level rise to 2.2-2.5 m, but not stop sea-level rise to 2300. Hence, we need to be prepared to both mitigate climate change and adapt in coastal areas—but such adaptation is feasible for this magnitude of change over multiple centuries in many places," a statement further&nbsp; pointed out.

&nbsp;

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Thermal expansion of seawater, glacier and ice-sheet melt and changes in groundwater storage are among the factors that have contributed in the rise in global sea level by about 20 cm over the past century, a new study published in a British journal has highlighted with a warning.

Thermal expansion of seawater, glacier and ice-sheet melt and changes in groundwater storage are among the factors that have contributed in the rise in global sea level by about 20 cm over the past century, a new study published in a British journal has highlighted with a warning. "This trend is likely to accelerate in response to increasing atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations and anthropogenic warming," underlines the study published online this month by Nature. The response of the Antarctic ice-sheet (AIS) to greenhouse warming is highly unpredictable, researchers point out, stressing that lives of a large proportion of global population is at risk due to such uncertainties. Experts, who have conducted the study, have also warned that the collapse of ice sheets at both North Pole and South Pole could start sooner than expected. If the world does not reach the net zero emissions goal by 2060, it could have an impact on water bodies worldwide, the researchers have demonstrated using simulations, stressing that sea levels could rise by five feet. “If we miss this emission goal, the ice sheets will disintegrate and melt at an accelerated pace, according to our calculations.” Professor Axel Timmermann, director of South Korea-based IBS Center for Climate Physics (ICCP), was quoted as saying in reports. Also watch| WION Climate Tracker: Biodiversity suffers from global warming × When UN Chief sounded alarm over rising sea levels Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, earlier this month also spoke about the danger of rising sea levels at the Munich Security Conference. "Global average sea levels have risen faster since 1900 than over any preceding century in the last 3,000 years. The global ocean has warmed faster over the past century than at any time in the past 11,000 years," he said. Citing findings of the World Meteorological Organization, he further said: "The WMO tells us that even if global heating is miraculously limited to 1.5 degrees, there will still be a sizeable sea level rise. Mega-cities on every continent will face serious impacts including Lagos, Maputo, Bangkok, Dhaka, Jakarta, Mumbai, Shanghai, Copenhagen, London, Los Angeles, New York, Buenos Aires and Santiago. The danger is especially acute for nearly 900 million people who live in coastal zones at low elevations — that’s one out of ten people on earth." Also read: For the first time in 52 years, world’s longest skating rink to close due to global warming Last year, a group of 28 sea-level scientists and practitioners of the World Climate Research Programme, which was established in 1980 under the joint sponsorship of WMO and the International Council for Science (ICSU), revealed their findings. "The collapse of major Antarctic ice shelves at the end of the century followed by increased discharge of ice may lead to a 9-10 meter catastrophic sea-level rise by 2300 under a strong warming scenario," the group underlined. "Fulfilling the Paris Agreement will greatly reduce the potential or high-end sea-level rise to 2.2-2.5 m, but not stop sea-level rise to 2300. Hence, we need to be prepared to both mitigate climate change and adapt in coastal areas—but such adaptation is feasible for this magnitude of change over multiple centuries in many places," a statement further pointed out. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

A warning on ice sheets collapse at both poles in new study

A home, listed as Santa Claus's house in the "North Pole", is up for auction. The property has been listed for more than $1 million. &nbsp;

The listing of the property on a real estate website Zillow, said, "A winter lover's paradise nestled on 25 idyllic acres."&nbsp;

According to the listing, the house has been constructed in 1822. In 2016, it was initially listed on the website for the estimated value of $656,957. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-cops-nab-armed-19-year-old-for-entering-windsor-castle-premises-where-queen-celebrates-christmas-440089">UK cops nab teen for entering Windsor Castle where Queen celebrates Christmas</a>

In five years, the value of the property has grown significantly. It has been now valued at $1,031,401. &nbsp;

There are three bedrooms and two bathrooms in the house, which is spread in over 2,500 square feet. &nbsp;&nbsp;

It also features a river rock fireplace, which stretches from the floor to the ceiling. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Not just this, the property also has a gourmet oven with 12 cookie settings and hot cocoa tap. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/on-christmas-50-vehicles-pile-up-in-major-crash-at-snowy-us-stretch-say-reports-440111" hreflang="en">On Christmas, 50 vehicles pile-up in major crash at snowy US stretch, say reports</a>

The listing said that the house also has a main cabin, toy-making facility, sleigh garage, reindeer stables and nearby elf houses. &nbsp;

Although the real Santa’s home is not for sale, anyone can get a virtual tour of the property. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A home, listed as Santa Claus's house in the "North Pole", is up for auction. The property has been listed for more than $1 million. The listing of the property on a real estate website Zillow, said, "A winter lover's paradise nestled on 25 idyllic acres.

A home, listed as Santa Claus's house in the "North Pole", is up for auction. The property has been listed for more than $1 million. The listing of the property on a real estate website Zillow, said, "A winter lover's paradise nestled on 25 idyllic acres." According to the listing, the house has been constructed in 1822. In 2016, it was initially listed on the website for the estimated value of $656,957. Also Read: UK cops nab teen for entering Windsor Castle where Queen celebrates Christmas In five years, the value of the property has grown significantly. It has been now valued at $1,031,401. There are three bedrooms and two bathrooms in the house, which is spread in over 2,500 square feet. It also features a river rock fireplace, which stretches from the floor to the ceiling. Not just this, the property also has a gourmet oven with 12 cookie settings and hot cocoa tap. Also Read: On Christmas, 50 vehicles pile-up in major crash at snowy US stretch, say reports The listing said that the house also has a main cabin, toy-making facility, sleigh garage, reindeer stables and nearby elf houses. Although the real Santa’s home is not for sale, anyone can get a virtual tour of the property. (With inputs from agencies)

Santa Claus's 'house' in North Pole goes under hammer, gets listed for $1 million

In a bid to take over the United States and China's&nbsp;Arctic dominance,&nbsp;Russia is racing to build&nbsp;giant ice-breakers.

Russia&nbsp;has scrambled to become a leading power in the region, where receding ice cover has allowed Moscow to develop a new shipping route.

President Vladimir Putin has made the warming region a priority, heavily investing in the so-called Northern Sea Route that allows ships to reach Asian ports up to 15 days faster than via the traditional Suez Canal route.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gravitas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gravitas</a> | Russia, China and the US are all eyeing the Arctic. They are making investments, striking alliances and deploying military personnel. <a href="https://twitter.com/palkisu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@palkisu</a> tells you how the Arctic is becoming the new battleground for superpowers. <a href="https://t.co/hw0zoBK4zX">pic.twitter.com/hw0zoBK4zX</a>
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Transit in the eastern Arctic usually ends in November but Moscow is hoping the ice-breakers will help it make use of the route,&nbsp;becoming more accessible due to climate change,&nbsp;year-round.

The vessels begin their journey at the imperial-era Baltic Shipyard, the birthplace of all Soviet nuclear-powered ice-breakers apart from one -- the Lenin, now transformed into a museum and docked in the Arctic port of Murmansk.&nbsp;

That is where the four new ships named&nbsp;"Sibir", "Ural", "Yakutia" and "Chukhotka", will eventually be based.&nbsp;

The ships are designed to resist extreme weather conditions in the Far North, towering 52 metres (170-feet) high with a length of 173 metres (568 feet) and able to smash through ice up to 2.8 metres (9.2 feet) thick.&nbsp;

Russia&nbsp;has not skimped to reap Arctic benefits. Each ship commissioned by state atomic energy corporation Rosatom costs more than 340 million euros ($400 million).

Construction requires more than 1,000 people and lasts five to seven years. &nbsp;

The ice-breakers will be a game changer for&nbsp;Russia's use of the Arctic, according to Leonid Grigoriyev of the world economy department at Moscow's Higher School of Economics.&nbsp;

While&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;is already "intensively" using the Northern Sea Route, Grigoriyev said the eastern Arctic still "freezes completely and would be impossible to use year-round without the ice-breakers."&nbsp;

The development of the Northern Sea Route should in particular simplify the delivery of oil and gas to southeast Asia by connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans via the Arctic in record time.

Global competition for the Arctic's navigation routes has ballooned, exacerbating tensions, particularly between the US,&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;and China.&nbsp;

At the inauguration of the Arktika last year, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said the ice-breaker fleet will "ensure Russian superiority in the Arctic."

(With inputs from agencies)

In a bid to take over the United States and China's Arctic dominance, Russia is racing to build giant ice-breakers. Russia has scrambled to become a leading power in the region, where receding ice cover has allowed Moscow to develop a new shipping route.

In a bid to take over the United States and China's Arctic dominance, Russia is racing to build giant ice-breakers. Russia has scrambled to become a leading power in the region, where receding ice cover has allowed Moscow to develop a new shipping route. President Vladimir Putin has made the warming region a priority, heavily investing in the so-called Northern Sea Route that allows ships to reach Asian ports up to 15 days faster than via the traditional Suez Canal route. #Gravitas | Russia, China and the US are all eyeing the Arctic. They are making investments, striking alliances and deploying military personnel. @palkisu tells you how the Arctic is becoming the new battleground for superpowers. pic.twitter.com/hw0zoBK4zX — WION (@WIONews) July 15, 2021 × Transit in the eastern Arctic usually ends in November but Moscow is hoping the ice-breakers will help it make use of the route, becoming more accessible due to climate change, year-round. The vessels begin their journey at the imperial-era Baltic Shipyard, the birthplace of all Soviet nuclear-powered ice-breakers apart from one -- the Lenin, now transformed into a museum and docked in the Arctic port of Murmansk. That is where the four new ships named "Sibir", "Ural", "Yakutia" and "Chukhotka", will eventually be based. The ships are designed to resist extreme weather conditions in the Far North, towering 52 metres (170-feet) high with a length of 173 metres (568 feet) and able to smash through ice up to 2.8 metres (9.2 feet) thick. Russia has not skimped to reap Arctic benefits. Each ship commissioned by state atomic energy corporation Rosatom costs more than 340 million euros ($400 million). Construction requires more than 1,000 people and lasts five to seven years. The ice-breakers will be a game changer for Russia's use of the Arctic, according to Leonid Grigoriyev of the world economy department at Moscow's Higher School of Economics. While Russia is already "intensively" using the Northern Sea Route, Grigoriyev said the eastern Arctic still "freezes completely and would be impossible to use year-round without the ice-breakers." The development of the Northern Sea Route should in particular simplify the delivery of oil and gas to southeast Asia by connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans via the Arctic in record time. Global competition for the Arctic's navigation routes has ballooned, exacerbating tensions, particularly between the US, Russia and China. At the inauguration of the Arktika last year, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said the ice-breaker fleet will "ensure Russian superiority in the Arctic." (With inputs from agencies)

Battle for Arctic dominance: Russia races to build giant ice-breakers

Indian women are all set to create history as an all-women pilot team will fly over the North Pole, the world's longest air route, covering a distance of close to 16,000 kms.&nbsp;

An Air India official said that that flying through the North Pole is "very challenging" which is why best in the business are sent on this route.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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"Flying through the North Pole is very challenging and airline companies send their best and experienced pilots on this route. This time Air India has given responsibilities to a woman captain for the journey from San Fransico to Bengaluru via polar route," the official said.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/air-india-privatisation-tata-adani-and-hinduja-in-the-fray-to-acquire-349613">Air India privatisation: Tata, Adani and Hinduja in the fray to acquire</a>

Describing the event as a "dream come true", Zoya Agarwal, who will command the flight, said she is eagerly waiting for the moment on January 9.&nbsp;

"Most people in the world will not see the North Pole or even its map in their lifetime. I feel truly feel privileged and humbled by the trust posed in me by the civil aviation ministry and our flag carrier. It is a golden opportunity to command a Boeing 777 inaugural SFO-BLR, one of the world's longest flight over the North Pole," Agarwal told news agency ANI.

"I am extremely proud to have with me experienced women team comprising Captains Thanmai Papagari, Akanksha Sonawane and Shivani Manhas. This is the first time an all-women pilots team will fly over the North Pole and create a history of sorts. It's indeed a dream come true for any professional pilot."

This will be another achievement for Captain Agarwal as earlier in 2013 she became the youngest woman to fly a Boeing-777 in 2013.&nbsp;

She will also become Air India's first woman commander to command a flight over the North Pole.

"Women should have self-belief even if they face societal pressure (and) not consider any task impossible," the young captain said.&nbsp;

Indian women are all set to create history as an all-women pilot team will fly over the North Pole, the world's longest air route, covering a distance of close to 16,000 kms.

Indian women are all set to create history as an all-women pilot team will fly over the North Pole, the world's longest air route, covering a distance of close to 16,000 kms. An Air India official said that that flying through the North Pole is "very challenging" which is why best in the business are sent on this route. Watch | "Flying through the North Pole is very challenging and airline companies send their best and experienced pilots on this route. This time Air India has given responsibilities to a woman captain for the journey from San Fransico to Bengaluru via polar route," the official said. Also read | Air India privatisation: Tata, Adani and Hinduja in the fray to acquire Describing the event as a "dream come true", Zoya Agarwal, who will command the flight, said she is eagerly waiting for the moment on January 9. "Most people in the world will not see the North Pole or even its map in their lifetime. I feel truly feel privileged and humbled by the trust posed in me by the civil aviation ministry and our flag carrier. It is a golden opportunity to command a Boeing 777 inaugural SFO-BLR, one of the world's longest flight over the North Pole," Agarwal told news agency ANI. "I am extremely proud to have with me experienced women team comprising Captains Thanmai Papagari, Akanksha Sonawane and Shivani Manhas. This is the first time an all-women pilots team will fly over the North Pole and create a history of sorts. It's indeed a dream come true for any professional pilot." This will be another achievement for Captain Agarwal as earlier in 2013 she became the youngest woman to fly a Boeing-777 in 2013. She will also become Air India's first woman commander to command a flight over the North Pole. "Women should have self-belief even if they face societal pressure (and) not consider any task impossible," the young captain said.

History in making as all-women Air India flight set to begin voyage on world's longest route

Researchers on the world's biggest mission to the North Pole will return to dock on Monday, bringing home devastating proof of a dying Arctic Ocean and warnings of ice-free summers in just decades.

The German Alfred Wegener Institute's Polarstern ship is set to return to the port of Bremerhaven after 389 days spent drifting through the Arctic trapped in ice, allowing scientists to gather vital information on the effects of global warming in the region.

The team of several hundred scientists from 20 countries have seen for themselves the dramatic effects of global warming on ice in the region, considered "the epicentre of climate change", according to mission leader Markus Rex.

"We witnessed how the Arctic ocean is dying," Rex told AFP. "We saw this process right outside our windows, or when we walked on the brittle ice."

Underlining how much of the sea ice has melted away, Rex said the mission was able to sail through large patches of open water, "sometimes stretching as far as the horizon".

"At the North Pole itself, we found badly eroded, melted, thin and brittle ice."

'Ice-free Arctic'

If the warming trend in the North Pole continues, then in a few decades we will have "an ice-free Arctic in the summer", Rex said.

The researchers' observations have been backed up by US satellite images showing that in 2020, sea ice in the Arctic reached its second-lowest summer minimum on record, after 2012.

The Polarstern mission, dubbed MOSAIC, spent over a year collecting data on the atmosphere, ocean, sea ice and ecosystems to help assess the impact of climate change on the region and the world.

To carry out the research, four observational sites were set up on the sea ice in a radius of up to 40 kilometres around the ship.

The researchers collected water samples from beneath the ice during the polar night to study plant plankton and bacteria and better understand how the marine ecosystem functions under extreme conditions.

The 140-million-euro ($165 million) expedition is also bringing back 150 terabytes of data and more than 1,000 ice samples.

"The expedition will, of course, produce results on many different levels," Rex said.

The team measured more than 100 parameters almost continuously throughout the year and are hoping the information will provide a "breakthrough in understanding the Arctic and climate system", he said.

Analysing the data will take up to two years, with the aim of developing models to help predict what heatwaves, heavy rains or storms could look like in 20, 50 or 100 years' time.

20 polar bears

Since the ship departed from Tromso, Norway, on September 20, 2019, the crew have seen long months of complete darkness, temperatures as low as -39.5 Celsius (-39.1 Fahrenheit) -- and around 20 polar bears.

The mission was almost derailed by the coronavirus pandemic in the spring, with the crew stranded at the North Pole for two months.

A multinational team of scientists was due to fly in as part of a scheduled relay to relieve those who had already spent several months on the ice, but the plan had to be redrawn when flights were cancelled across the world as governments scrambled to halt the spread of the coronavirus.

During the course of the expedition, a rotating crew of 300 researchers spent time on board the German ship as it travelled with the ice along a wind-driven route known as the transpolar drift.

Radiance Calmer, a researcher at the University of Colorado who was on board the Polarstern from June to September, told AFP that stepping out onto the ice was a "magical" moment.

"If you concentrate, you can feel it moving," she said.

The voyage was a huge logistical challenge, not least when it came to feeding the crew -- during the first three months, the ship's cargo included 14,000 eggs, 2,000 litres of milk and 200 kilogrammes of rutabaga.

The ship's cook, Sven Schneider, did not underestimate the importance of his role in the mission.

"It was my job to maintain the morale of 100 people living in total darkness," he said in an interview with German weekly newspaper Die Zeit.

Researchers on the world's biggest mission to the North Pole will return to dock on Monday, bringing home devastating proof of a dying Arctic Ocean and warnings of ice-free summers in just decades.

Researchers on the world's biggest mission to the North Pole will return to dock on Monday, bringing home devastating proof of a dying Arctic Ocean and warnings of ice-free summers in just decades. The German Alfred Wegener Institute's Polarstern ship is set to return to the port of Bremerhaven after 389 days spent drifting through the Arctic trapped in ice, allowing scientists to gather vital information on the effects of global warming in the region. The team of several hundred scientists from 20 countries have seen for themselves the dramatic effects of global warming on ice in the region, considered "the epicentre of climate change", according to mission leader Markus Rex. "We witnessed how the Arctic ocean is dying," Rex told AFP. "We saw this process right outside our windows, or when we walked on the brittle ice." Underlining how much of the sea ice has melted away, Rex said the mission was able to sail through large patches of open water, "sometimes stretching as far as the horizon". "At the North Pole itself, we found badly eroded, melted, thin and brittle ice." 'Ice-free Arctic' If the warming trend in the North Pole continues, then in a few decades we will have "an ice-free Arctic in the summer", Rex said. The researchers' observations have been backed up by US satellite images showing that in 2020, sea ice in the Arctic reached its second-lowest summer minimum on record, after 2012. The Polarstern mission, dubbed MOSAIC, spent over a year collecting data on the atmosphere, ocean, sea ice and ecosystems to help assess the impact of climate change on the region and the world. To carry out the research, four observational sites were set up on the sea ice in a radius of up to 40 kilometres around the ship. The researchers collected water samples from beneath the ice during the polar night to study plant plankton and bacteria and better understand how the marine ecosystem functions under extreme conditions. The 140-million-euro ($165 million) expedition is also bringing back 150 terabytes of data and more than 1,000 ice samples. "The expedition will, of course, produce results on many different levels," Rex said. The team measured more than 100 parameters almost continuously throughout the year and are hoping the information will provide a "breakthrough in understanding the Arctic and climate system", he said. Analysing the data will take up to two years, with the aim of developing models to help predict what heatwaves, heavy rains or storms could look like in 20, 50 or 100 years' time. 20 polar bears Since the ship departed from Tromso, Norway, on September 20, 2019, the crew have seen long months of complete darkness, temperatures as low as -39.5 Celsius (-39.1 Fahrenheit) -- and around 20 polar bears. The mission was almost derailed by the coronavirus pandemic in the spring, with the crew stranded at the North Pole for two months. A multinational team of scientists was due to fly in as part of a scheduled relay to relieve those who had already spent several months on the ice, but the plan had to be redrawn when flights were cancelled across the world as governments scrambled to halt the spread of the coronavirus. During the course of the expedition, a rotating crew of 300 researchers spent time on board the German ship as it travelled with the ice along a wind-driven route known as the transpolar drift. Radiance Calmer, a researcher at the University of Colorado who was on board the Polarstern from June to September, told AFP that stepping out onto the ice was a "magical" moment. "If you concentrate, you can feel it moving," she said. The voyage was a huge logistical challenge, not least when it came to feeding the crew -- during the first three months, the ship's cargo included 14,000 eggs, 2,000 litres of milk and 200 kilogrammes of rutabaga. The ship's cook, Sven Schneider, did not underestimate the importance of his role in the mission. "It was my job to maintain the morale of 100 people living in total darkness," he said in an interview with German weekly newspaper Die Zeit.

Biggest North Pole mission returns from 'dying Arctic'

The Earth’s magnetic field, ie, the location of the North Pole and the South Pole is never stable. In fact, it&nbsp;is&nbsp;continuously in the process of flipping, until it gradually does. What’s North Pole today will be South Pole in a hundred thousand years, and vice versa.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/science/we-all-come-from-star-dust-is-no-longer-just-a-saying-and-scientists-agree-311418" hreflang="en">'We all come from star dust' is no longer just a saying, and scientists agree!</a>

However, scientists have discovered a new piece of information about this which could change how we understand magnetic poles. The pole reversal, according to new study published in Nature Communications, could happen ten times faster than previously thought.

On an average, the phenomenon happens every few hundred thousands of years.&nbsp;This switch has multiple implications, for it affects life on Earth, and the course of evolution.

One degree per year? Wrong!

Earlier, scientists thought the maximum shift in the magnetic field would amount to one degree per year, but this new research says over ten degrees of movement could be taking place every year. The researchers reached this conclusion by following up on computer simulations of the outer core which is primarily made up of nickel and iron and resides 2,800 kilometres below the planet’s surface. This is the part of the planet which decides the magnetic field and the changes in it.

<h6><img alt="This handout picture obtained from the European Space Agency (ESA) on August 7, 2018 shows a view taken by German astronaut and geophysicist Alexander Gerst, showing drought affected areas across Germany and Central-Europe as seen from the International Space Station on August 6, 2018. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ec1b2f0b-dc4b-42bc-bc2b-a44b3498a143" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-3_25.jpg" /> 
This handout picture obtained from the European Space Agency (ESA) on August 7, 2018 shows a view taken by German astronaut and geophysicist Alexander Gerst, showing drought affected areas across Germany and Central-Europe as seen from the International Space Station on August 6, 2018. | AFP</h6>

The researchers from University of California San Diego juxtaposed their digital imitations of the core with a timeline of magnetic pole activity over the last 100,000 years and were able to find similarities which pointed to a faster movement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/science/a-massive-star-in-a-far-off-galaxy-just-disappeared-leaving-behind-no-trace-310032" hreflang="en">A massive star in a far-off galaxy just disappeared, leaving behind no trace!</a>

When the magnetic field of Earth experiences changes, they can get&nbsp;replicated in the sediments, lava, and objects made out of these!

The scientists also posited that the quick switch may be attributed to localised fluctuations in the intensity of the magnetic field. For instance, they noted a movement of almost 2.5 degrees per year 39,000 years ago. This was right after the planet’s magnetic field became weak in Central America.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/science/a-blazing-fireball-produced-a-sonic-boom-in-tokyo-skies-leaving-residents-confused-311108" hreflang="en">A blazing fireball produced a sonic boom in Tokyo skies, leaving residents confused!</a>

The field, besides facilitating compass based navigation, also protects living beings from solar radiations, and the poles are constantly on the move, without us noticing it!

Even though they can’t still pinpoint to the exact cause and projected timeline of the shift, one thing’s for sure: the switch is contingent on a lot of factors that we still have no idea about!

The Earth’s magnetic field, ie, the location of the North Pole and the South Pole is never stable. In fact, it is continuously in the process of flipping, until it gradually does.

The Earth’s magnetic field, ie, the location of the North Pole and the South Pole is never stable. In fact, it is continuously in the process of flipping, until it gradually does. What’s North Pole today will be South Pole in a hundred thousand years, and vice versa. Also read: 'We all come from star dust' is no longer just a saying, and scientists agree! However, scientists have discovered a new piece of information about this which could change how we understand magnetic poles. The pole reversal, according to new study published in Nature Communications, could happen ten times faster than previously thought. On an average, the phenomenon happens every few hundred thousands of years. This switch has multiple implications, for it affects life on Earth, and the course of evolution. One degree per year? Wrong! Earlier, scientists thought the maximum shift in the magnetic field would amount to one degree per year, but this new research says over ten degrees of movement could be taking place every year. The researchers reached this conclusion by following up on computer simulations of the outer core which is primarily made up of nickel and iron and resides 2,800 kilometres below the planet’s surface. This is the part of the planet which decides the magnetic field and the changes in it. This handout picture obtained from the European Space Agency (ESA) on August 7, 2018 shows a view taken by German astronaut and geophysicist Alexander Gerst, showing drought affected areas across Germany and Central-Europe as seen from the International Space Station on August 6, 2018. | AFP The researchers from University of California San Diego juxtaposed their digital imitations of the core with a timeline of magnetic pole activity over the last 100,000 years and were able to find similarities which pointed to a faster movement. Also read: A massive star in a far-off galaxy just disappeared, leaving behind no trace! When the magnetic field of Earth experiences changes, they can get replicated in the sediments, lava, and objects made out of these! The scientists also posited that the quick switch may be attributed to localised fluctuations in the intensity of the magnetic field. For instance, they noted a movement of almost 2.5 degrees per year 39,000 years ago. This was right after the planet’s magnetic field became weak in Central America. Also read: A blazing fireball produced a sonic boom in Tokyo skies, leaving residents confused! The field, besides facilitating compass based navigation, also protects living beings from solar radiations, and the poles are constantly on the move, without us noticing it! Even though they can’t still pinpoint to the exact cause and projected timeline of the shift, one thing’s for sure: the switch is contingent on a lot of factors that we still have no idea about!

Earth's magnetic poles may be flipping by 10° each year, way more than previously thought!

In a series of appalling news during the COVID-19 pandemic, Antarctica witnessed its first-ever heatwave in late January. Temperatures spiked, and if this continues for long, the flora and fauna on the continent could suffer extensively.

Even though pollution levels have dropped as countries are forced into lockdown, a pushback effect is expected once industries reopen, for they’ll attempt to make up for the losses incurred during the shutdown. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/antarctic-ice-loss-triples-boosting-sea-levels-144232" hreflang="en">Antarctica ice melting three times faster than earlier, could redraw Earth's coastlines</a>

Recorded by the Australian Antarctic Programme at the Casey Research Centre in Eastern Antarctica, the findings were published in the Global Change Biology on Tuesday.

Recorded over the 2019-2020 southern hemisphere summer, such patterns could have long-term effects on the global weather patterns.

The Casey Research Centre is located in Western Australia, where the highest maximum and minimum temperatures ever were recorded between January 23-26.

<img alt="pp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1571c08e-4243-4b3d-9027-076da6cfc89d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%287%29_36.jpg" />

Minimum temperatures reached zero degree Celsius while the maximum surged to over 7.5 degrees. However, the record high temperature of 9.2 degree Celsius&nbsp;was recorded on January 24.

Scientifically, heat waves refer to three consecutive days of very high maximum and lowest minimum temperatures recorded at a particular place.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/in-first-american-adventurer-completes-solo-trek-across-antarctica-186922" hreflang="en">In first, American adventurer completes solo trek across Antarctica</a>

Even on the other side, at the Antarctic Peninsula, record high temperatures were recorded.

Just last month, a record high temperature of 18.3 degrees was lodged at Esperanza Base in Argentina.

Even though hotter temperatures could provide more fresh water to the ecosystems, it could cause long-term harm to plants and totally alter the composition of microbes.

In a series of appalling news during the COVID-19 pandemic, Antarctica witnessed its first-ever heatwave in late January. Temperatures spiked, and if this continues for long, the flora and fauna on the continent could suffer extensively.

In a series of appalling news during the COVID-19 pandemic, Antarctica witnessed its first-ever heatwave in late January. Temperatures spiked, and if this continues for long, the flora and fauna on the continent could suffer extensively. Even though pollution levels have dropped as countries are forced into lockdown, a pushback effect is expected once industries reopen, for they’ll attempt to make up for the losses incurred during the shutdown. Also read: Antarctica ice melting three times faster than earlier, could redraw Earth's coastlines Recorded by the Australian Antarctic Programme at the Casey Research Centre in Eastern Antarctica, the findings were published in the Global Change Biology on Tuesday. Recorded over the 2019-2020 southern hemisphere summer, such patterns could have long-term effects on the global weather patterns. The Casey Research Centre is located in Western Australia, where the highest maximum and minimum temperatures ever were recorded between January 23-26. Minimum temperatures reached zero degree Celsius while the maximum surged to over 7.5 degrees. However, the record high temperature of 9.2 degree Celsius was recorded on January 24. Scientifically, heat waves refer to three consecutive days of very high maximum and lowest minimum temperatures recorded at a particular place. Also read: In first, American adventurer completes solo trek across Antarctica Even on the other side, at the Antarctic Peninsula, record high temperatures were recorded. Just last month, a record high temperature of 18.3 degrees was lodged at Esperanza Base in Argentina. Even though hotter temperatures could provide more fresh water to the ecosystems, it could cause long-term harm to plants and totally alter the composition of microbes.

Antarctica records its first-ever heatwave!

In a historic first, national carrier Air India scripted history as its flight AI73, from Delhi bound to San Francisco, United States, became the first Indian commercial flight to fly over the Polar region on Thursday.&nbsp;

The feat was achieved on the occasion of India's 73rd Independence Day on Thursday. Air&nbsp;India's spokesperson tweeted out glimpses from the historic moment, he was aboard the airplane.&nbsp;

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Historic moment captured by phone. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AI73?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AI73</a> (Del-SFO) 1st Indian Comercial flight flown over Polar. <a href="https://t.co/fT2Do6nbI5">pic.twitter.com/fT2Do6nbI5</a>
— Dhananjay kumar (@dhananjaypro) <a href="https://twitter.com/dhananjaypro/status/1162059057634525186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Historic moment captured by phone. #AI73 (Del-SFO) 1st Indian commercial flight flown over Polar," Dhananjay Kumar tweeted out.&nbsp;

"Another feather by Air India flying over magnetic sensitive North Pole #Proud Air Indian," his tweet read.&nbsp;

Kumar also posted a nearly one-minute-long video which captured the scintillating view of the Polar region from the Air India flight.&nbsp;

The video exhibited a vast expanse of ice running to the horizon while AI73 flew over the Polar region.&nbsp;

Over 200 passengers were aboard the Air India flight which flew over Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan and Russia before flying over North Pole and crossing over to the other side of the planet.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In a historic first, national carrier Air India scripted history as its flight AI73, from Delhi bound to San Francisco, United States, became the first Indian commercial flight to fly over the Polar region on Thursday.

In a historic first, national carrier Air India scripted history as its flight AI73, from Delhi bound to San Francisco, United States, became the first Indian commercial flight to fly over the Polar region on Thursday. The feat was achieved on the occasion of India's 73rd Independence Day on Thursday. Air India's spokesperson tweeted out glimpses from the historic moment, he was aboard the airplane. Historic moment captured by phone. #AI73 (Del-SFO) 1st Indian Comercial flight flown over Polar. pic.twitter.com/fT2Do6nbI5 — Dhananjay kumar (@dhananjaypro) August 15, 2019 × "Historic moment captured by phone. #AI73 (Del-SFO) 1st Indian commercial flight flown over Polar," Dhananjay Kumar tweeted out. "Another feather by Air India flying over magnetic sensitive North Pole #Proud Air Indian," his tweet read. Kumar also posted a nearly one-minute-long video which captured the scintillating view of the Polar region from the Air India flight. The video exhibited a vast expanse of ice running to the horizon while AI73 flew over the Polar region. Over 200 passengers were aboard the Air India flight which flew over Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan and Russia before flying over North Pole and crossing over to the other side of the planet.

Watch: Glimpses of first Indian commercial flight over North Pole

I-Day joy: Air India to undertake first direct flight to US through North Pole from August 15

At dusk, tourists marvel at the sensational collapse of an iceberg at the end of its long journey from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/atmospheric-flow-now-going-to-transport-heat-towards-greenland-un-238653">Greenland to Canada's east coast</a>, which now has a front-row seat to the melting of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alaska-heat-wave-shatters-citys-record-disrupts-jobs-and-lives-233451">Arctic's ice</a>.

While the rest of the world nervously eyes the impact of global warming, the calving of Greenland's glaciers the breaking off of ice chunks from its edge has breathed new life into the remote coastal villages of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Once a hub of cod fishing, the province now plays host to hordes of amateur photographers and tourists hoping to capture the epic ice melt for posterity. As winter ends, iceberg spotting begins.

"It keeps getting better every year," says Barry Strickland, a 58-year-old former fisherman who now takes tourists in his small boat around King's Point in the north of the province.&nbsp;

"We've got 135, 140 tour buses with older people coming into the town every season so it's great for the economy."

For the past four years, Strickland has taken visitors to bear witness to the death throes of these ice giants, which can measure dozens of meters in height and weigh hundreds of thousands of tons.&nbsp;

Winds and ocean currents bring the icebergs from northwest Greenland, thousands of kilometres (miles) away, to Canada's shores.&nbsp;

In a matter of weeks, ice frozen for thousands of years can quickly melt into the ocean.

'Incredible' rise in tourism&nbsp;

Strickland's boat excursions are often fully booked during the high season from May to July, with tourists coming from all around the world to King's Point, a village of just 600 inhabitants.

The villagers keep track of the icebergs on an interactive satellite tracking map put online by the provincial government.

"There's not much in these small outport towns anymore to keep people around, so tourism is a big part of our economy," said Devon Chaulk, who works in a souvenir shop in Elliston, a small town of 300 on "Iceberg Corridor," as the coastline is now known.

"I've lived here my entire life, and the increase in tourism around here in the past 10 to 15 years has been incredible. It's not surprising to have thousands of people here over the next couple of months," said the 28-year-old.&nbsp;

Last year, a total of 500,000 tourists visited Newfoundland and Labrador, a number roughly equivalent to the province's total population.&nbsp;

Those visitors spent nearly Can $570 million, government figures show.

Melting ice&nbsp;

The tourism boom has helped offset the decline in the region's traditional fishing industry, which is in crisis because of overfishing at the end of the last century.

Some are even marketing "iceberg water" as the purest on Earth and selling it as a high-end luxury item. The melt is also used in vodka, beer and cosmetics.&nbsp;

But beneath the shiny surface of economic success is the dark truth that the area is in part profiting from accelerated global warming in the Arctic and that the industry is precarious at best.

In the village of Twillingate, employees at the Auk Island Winery which makes its product from iceberg water and locally picked wild berries have already seen that business can be unpredictable.

"We see the difference in the number of tourists from year to year, depending on the number of icebergs in the area," says Elizabeth Gleason, who works at the winery.

"This year was a good year. Last year, we had almost none."

The Arctic is warming three times faster than the rest of the world. In mid-July, record temperatures were recorded near the North Pole.

In recent years, the icebergs have drifted further and further south, posing a threat to shipping on this busy route between Europe and North America.

For now, tourists are enjoying the view and the experience while they can.&nbsp;

"The prevalence of icebergs has good things and bad things about it," says Melissa Axtman, an American traveller.

Laurent Lucazeau, a 34-year-old French tourist, says seeing an iceberg was sobering.

"It is a concrete image of global warming to see icebergs making it to these places where the water is warm," he told AFP.

"There's something mysterious and impressive about it, but knowing too that they are not supposed to be here makes you wonder, and it's a little scary."

At dusk, tourists marvel at the sensational collapse of an iceberg at the end of its long journey from Greenland to Canada's east coast, which now has a front-row seat to the melting of the Arctic's ice.

At dusk, tourists marvel at the sensational collapse of an iceberg at the end of its long journey from Greenland to Canada's east coast, which now has a front-row seat to the melting of the Arctic's ice. While the rest of the world nervously eyes the impact of global warming, the calving of Greenland's glaciers the breaking off of ice chunks from its edge has breathed new life into the remote coastal villages of Newfoundland and Labrador. Once a hub of cod fishing, the province now plays host to hordes of amateur photographers and tourists hoping to capture the epic ice melt for posterity. As winter ends, iceberg spotting begins. "It keeps getting better every year," says Barry Strickland, a 58-year-old former fisherman who now takes tourists in his small boat around King's Point in the north of the province. "We've got 135, 140 tour buses with older people coming into the town every season so it's great for the economy." For the past four years, Strickland has taken visitors to bear witness to the death throes of these ice giants, which can measure dozens of meters in height and weigh hundreds of thousands of tons. Winds and ocean currents bring the icebergs from northwest Greenland, thousands of kilometres (miles) away, to Canada's shores. In a matter of weeks, ice frozen for thousands of years can quickly melt into the ocean. 'Incredible' rise in tourism Strickland's boat excursions are often fully booked during the high season from May to July, with tourists coming from all around the world to King's Point, a village of just 600 inhabitants. The villagers keep track of the icebergs on an interactive satellite tracking map put online by the provincial government. "There's not much in these small outport towns anymore to keep people around, so tourism is a big part of our economy," said Devon Chaulk, who works in a souvenir shop in Elliston, a small town of 300 on "Iceberg Corridor," as the coastline is now known. "I've lived here my entire life, and the increase in tourism around here in the past 10 to 15 years has been incredible. It's not surprising to have thousands of people here over the next couple of months," said the 28-year-old. Last year, a total of 500,000 tourists visited Newfoundland and Labrador, a number roughly equivalent to the province's total population. Those visitors spent nearly Can $570 million, government figures show. Melting ice The tourism boom has helped offset the decline in the region's traditional fishing industry, which is in crisis because of overfishing at the end of the last century. Some are even marketing "iceberg water" as the purest on Earth and selling it as a high-end luxury item. The melt is also used in vodka, beer and cosmetics. But beneath the shiny surface of economic success is the dark truth that the area is in part profiting from accelerated global warming in the Arctic and that the industry is precarious at best. In the village of Twillingate, employees at the Auk Island Winery which makes its product from iceberg water and locally picked wild berries have already seen that business can be unpredictable. "We see the difference in the number of tourists from year to year, depending on the number of icebergs in the area," says Elizabeth Gleason, who works at the winery. "This year was a good year. Last year, we had almost none." The Arctic is warming three times faster than the rest of the world. In mid-July, record temperatures were recorded near the North Pole. In recent years, the icebergs have drifted further and further south, posing a threat to shipping on this busy route between Europe and North America. For now, tourists are enjoying the view and the experience while they can. "The prevalence of icebergs has good things and bad things about it," says Melissa Axtman, an American traveller. Laurent Lucazeau, a 34-year-old French tourist, says seeing an iceberg was sobering. "It is a concrete image of global warming to see icebergs making it to these places where the water is warm," he told AFP. "There's something mysterious and impressive about it, but knowing too that they are not supposed to be here makes you wonder, and it's a little scary."

'Iceberg Corridor' sparks tourist boom on Canada's east coast

Earth's magnetic north pole is drifting by about 55 kilometres a year. And the drift is picking&nbsp;up pace; in 2000, the magnetic north pole was moving at about 15 kilometres a year.&nbsp;

The magnetic north pole was first measured in 1831 in the Canadian Arctic. It has since then moved some 2,300 kilometres. It&nbsp;crossed the International Date Line in 2017 and is now leaving the Canadian Arctic for Siberia.

The movement of course has begun to mess up navigation.&nbsp;

NASA uses the magnetic north pole, as do airplanes and boats, usually as backup navigation. The drifting magnetic north is also messing up compasses in smartphones and some consumer electronics.

GPS, fortunately,&nbsp;is not affected since it is satellite-based.&nbsp;

AP quoted University of Maryland geophysicist Daniel Lathrop as saying the&nbsp;reason behind the shift is&nbsp;turbulence in the Earth's liquid outer core. There is a hot liquid ocean of iron and nickel in the planet's core and its motion generates an electric field.

For now, the magnetic south pole is moving far more slowly than the north. Finally, the two will flip places.&nbsp;

Not to worry, it's happened before in the past — several times, just not in the last 780,000 years.&nbsp;

Earth's magnetic north pole is drifting by about 55 kilometres a year. And the drift is picking up pace; in 2000, the magnetic north pole was moving at about 15 kilometres a year.

Earth's magnetic north pole is drifting by about 55 kilometres a year. And the drift is picking up pace; in 2000, the magnetic north pole was moving at about 15 kilometres a year. The magnetic north pole was first measured in 1831 in the Canadian Arctic. It has since then moved some 2,300 kilometres. It crossed the International Date Line in 2017 and is now leaving the Canadian Arctic for Siberia. The movement of course has begun to mess up navigation. NASA uses the magnetic north pole, as do airplanes and boats, usually as backup navigation. The drifting magnetic north is also messing up compasses in smartphones and some consumer electronics. GPS, fortunately, is not affected since it is satellite-based. AP quoted University of Maryland geophysicist Daniel Lathrop as saying the reason behind the shift is turbulence in the Earth's liquid outer core. There is a hot liquid ocean of iron and nickel in the planet's core and its motion generates an electric field. For now, the magnetic south pole is moving far more slowly than the north. Finally, the two will flip places. Not to worry, it's happened before in the past — several times, just not in the last 780,000 years.

Magnetic north pole moving 55 kilometres a year, disrupting navigation

Aparna Kumar, the first Indian woman police officer to reach the South Pole, talks to WION's Ayushi Agarwal about her inspiration (her mother) and the brains behind her expeditions (her husband). Age should not hold you back, she says, nor should gender. But most importantly, she tells Indian women that sports is&nbsp;in no way a male doman. Dream it and do it, she says. Excerpts from their conversation:&nbsp;&nbsp;

WION:&nbsp;How did the idea of reaching the South Pole come to you?

Aparna:&nbsp;The journey actually started in 2013 when I was posted as the Commander of 9th battalion PAC&nbsp;(previously known as Special Police Force in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh. It used to take care of high altitudes of Uttarakhand along the Indo-Tibetan border (like Kedarnath, Badrinath and many others). People used to tell&nbsp;me about their adventurous stories and their experiences on walking on snow and pulling their own sledge full of luggage. It really made me curious. I thought of giving it a try as I have been good with sports in&nbsp;the past. The curiosity and my interest made me take the task up.&nbsp;

WION:&nbsp;Tell us about your training for the expedition.&nbsp;

Aparna: I took basic mountaineering course from Manali in 2013. I just thought of learning the basics and didn't have any climbing plans. I was adjudged with A grade, which made it possible for me to pursue an advanced mountaineering course which I completed in July 2014. The course made me eligible for expeditions. Shortly after, my training began. I knew I had to be physically and mentally strong as the task demands a&nbsp;lot of vigour.&nbsp;

WION: Your inspiration behind the arduous task?&nbsp;

Aparna: My mother is my inspiration, she is a very strong lady. Other than her, what adds glory to my endeavours is my husband's support who encourages me a lot.

WION: How did you juggle your profession with this expedition?&nbsp;

Aparna: Its tough, obviously, it is like walking on both the edges of life. As a mother of two, I have responsibilities of both profession and family on my shoulders. But I know how to manage time. My well-wishers, friends, and family have made my life smoother. But when I first thought of climbing, I informed my husband of joining basic mountaineering learning. He just told me one thing that keeps me going smoothly in life which was, ''As an IPS officer, it is your responsibility of completing whatever task has been assigned to you. So you have to complete the whole learning process and do not have to think of giving up at any point.'' This really made my life easier.

WION: What was the most challenging moment in your journey? Had you ever thought that you may not achieve what you set out for?&nbsp;

APARNA: The most challenging moment that I faced was regarding my health issues. When I was getting trained for the South Pole, I was suffering from fever, cough and cold. After a few X-rays and reports, I was diagnosed with pneumonia. I became restless as I had to leave for Chile on 30th December. I was worried and put on medication for 20 days and was given pneumonia drugs. I was asked not to get trained and exercise till then. So the whole month of November was very challenging. The other challenge that I had to face was during my training of skiing. As for the South Pole expedition, skiing is basic and so I had to learn cross-country skiing for which I went to Gulmarg. &nbsp;So before going, it was tough. And when I was in the South Pole, the temperature was around -35 degree Celsius which made the conditions more different as I was the only woman among the seven team members. But this did not at any point make me think of giving up for what I planned for. I was determined and focused. This kept me going in spite of challenges.

WION: How did your family and friends react to the idea when it was first conceived? Did they feel differently?&nbsp;

APARNA: My family supports and encourages me in everything I do. This diehard resolve that I have is because of them. They are the reason behind my physical endurance and mental toughness. Yes, they felt differently as I spoke about my idea but there were no signs of doubt of my determination. What satisfies me a lot is my children's reaction (Spandana and Neelkantha). They jump in joy as I am sometimes invited as a chief guest in their school which expands their friends&nbsp;circle (which sounds so funny).

WION: Who is the&nbsp;brain is behind all your expeditions? And what are your future expedition plans?&nbsp;

APARNA: My husband is the brain behind all my expeditions. Out of seven continents, I have covered six highest peaks. The one which is left is Mount Denali in Alaska, North America which I am planning to climb next year. But before that, I am aiming for the North Pole expedition.

WION: What is the best quote in life that you believe in and which inspired you to climb&nbsp;the South Pole?&nbsp;

APARNA: The quote that I firmly believe in is that "Age is just a number, you should never give up and always work hard in whatever you think and believe in.''

WION: How did it feel, unfurling the ITBP flag at the South Pole?&nbsp;

APARNA: The feeling was inexplicable. I was relieved and glad that I converted my thoughts into actions. Unfurling the flag there was the most immense joy because I represented and made proud those people who helped me a lot during my entire journey.

WION: What is the one message that you want to give women who do not turn their thoughts into action as they think society believes sports is a male-dominated arena?&nbsp;

APARNA: Like I believe age is just a number, so I believe dreams have no gender. My message to all women is to dream, have a vision and fulfil that dream with perseverance by never giving up.

Aparna Kumar, the first Indian woman police officer to reach the South Pole, talks to WION's Ayushi Agarwal about her inspiration (her mother) and the brains behind her expeditions (her husband).

Aparna Kumar, the first Indian woman police officer to reach the South Pole, talks to WION's Ayushi Agarwal about her inspiration (her mother) and the brains behind her expeditions (her husband). Age should not hold you back, she says, nor should gender. But most importantly, she tells Indian women that sports is in no way a male doman. Dream it and do it, she says. Excerpts from their conversation: WION: How did the idea of reaching the South Pole come to you? Aparna: The journey actually started in 2013 when I was posted as the Commander of 9th battalion PAC (previously known as Special Police Force in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh. It used to take care of high altitudes of Uttarakhand along the Indo-Tibetan border (like Kedarnath, Badrinath and many others). People used to tell me about their adventurous stories and their experiences on walking on snow and pulling their own sledge full of luggage. It really made me curious. I thought of giving it a try as I have been good with sports in the past. The curiosity and my interest made me take the task up. WION: Tell us about your training for the expedition. Aparna: I took basic mountaineering course from Manali in 2013. I just thought of learning the basics and didn't have any climbing plans. I was adjudged with A grade, which made it possible for me to pursue an advanced mountaineering course which I completed in July 2014. The course made me eligible for expeditions. Shortly after, my training began. I knew I had to be physically and mentally strong as the task demands a lot of vigour. WION: Your inspiration behind the arduous task? Aparna: My mother is my inspiration, she is a very strong lady. Other than her, what adds glory to my endeavours is my husband's support who encourages me a lot. WION: How did you juggle your profession with this expedition? Aparna: Its tough, obviously, it is like walking on both the edges of life. As a mother of two, I have responsibilities of both profession and family on my shoulders. But I know how to manage time. My well-wishers, friends, and family have made my life smoother. But when I first thought of climbing, I informed my husband of joining basic mountaineering learning. He just told me one thing that keeps me going smoothly in life which was, ''As an IPS officer, it is your responsibility of completing whatever task has been assigned to you. So you have to complete the whole learning process and do not have to think of giving up at any point.'' This really made my life easier. WION: What was the most challenging moment in your journey? Had you ever thought that you may not achieve what you set out for? APARNA: The most challenging moment that I faced was regarding my health issues. When I was getting trained for the South Pole, I was suffering from fever, cough and cold. After a few X-rays and reports, I was diagnosed with pneumonia. I became restless as I had to leave for Chile on 30th December. I was worried and put on medication for 20 days and was given pneumonia drugs. I was asked not to get trained and exercise till then. So the whole month of November was very challenging. The other challenge that I had to face was during my training of skiing. As for the South Pole expedition, skiing is basic and so I had to learn cross-country skiing for which I went to Gulmarg. So before going, it was tough. And when I was in the South Pole, the temperature was around -35 degree Celsius which made the conditions more different as I was the only woman among the seven team members. But this did not at any point make me think of giving up for what I planned for. I was determined and focused. This kept me going in spite of challenges. WION: How did your family and friends react to the idea when it was first conceived? Did they feel differently? APARNA: My family supports and encourages me in everything I do. This diehard resolve that I have is because of them. They are the reason behind my physical endurance and mental toughness. Yes, they felt differently as I spoke about my idea but there were no signs of doubt of my determination. What satisfies me a lot is my children's reaction (Spandana and Neelkantha). They jump in joy as I am sometimes invited as a chief guest in their school which expands their friends circle (which sounds so funny). WION: Who is the brain is behind all your expeditions? And what are your future expedition plans? APARNA: My husband is the brain behind all my expeditions. Out of seven continents, I have covered six highest peaks. The one which is left is Mount Denali in Alaska, North America which I am planning to climb next year. But before that, I am aiming for the North Pole expedition. WION: What is the best quote in life that you believe in and which inspired you to climb the South Pole? APARNA: The quote that I firmly believe in is that "Age is just a number, you should never give up and always work hard in whatever you think and believe in.'' WION: How did it feel, unfurling the ITBP flag at the South Pole? APARNA: The feeling was inexplicable. I was relieved and glad that I converted my thoughts into actions. Unfurling the flag there was the most immense joy because I represented and made proud those people who helped me a lot during my entire journey. WION: What is the one message that you want to give women who do not turn their thoughts into action as they think society believes sports is a male-dominated arena? APARNA: Like I believe age is just a number, so I believe dreams have no gender. My message to all women is to dream, have a vision and fulfil that dream with perseverance by never giving up.

Age is just a number... dreams have no gender: Aparna Kumar, 1st woman IPS officer to reach South Pole, to WION

The North Pole is experiencing a sudden surge in temperatures which has left the environmentalists and experts stunned. The North Pole is usually at its coldest around this time of the year. Despite this, the region has seen a historic thaw after an enormous storm pumped an intense pulse of heat through the Greenland Sea.

It is unlikely for the North Pole to get the sight of the Sun until till March 20;&nbsp;meanwhile, the temperature in the region has already mounted to 35 degrees Fahrenheit, around 2 degree Celsius.&nbsp;

According to Zack Labe, a climate scientist from the University of California at Irvine, this is one of the most expansive warm intrusions to have hit the region for the longest time.&nbsp;

&quot;No other warm intrusions were very close to this,&quot; Labe said in an interview, describing a data set maintained by the Danish Meteorological Institute that dated back to 1958. &quot;I was taken by surprise how expansive this warm intrusion was,&quot; Labe noted.&nbsp;

Some of the previously conducted studies have noted climatic intrusions to have become more frequent ever since the 1980s.&nbsp;

The change in temperature&nbsp;has been linked to the decline of winter sea ice in the Arctic; January&#39;s ice extent was the lowest on record.

With inputs from ANI&nbsp;

Some of the previously conducted studies have noted similar climatic intrusions to have become more frequent ever since the 1980s

The North Pole is experiencing a sudden surge in temperatures which has left the environmentalists and experts stunned. The North Pole is usually at its coldest around this time of the year. Despite this, the region has seen a historic thaw after an enormous storm pumped an intense pulse of heat through the Greenland Sea. It is unlikely for the North Pole to get the sight of the Sun until till March 20; meanwhile, the temperature in the region has already mounted to 35 degrees Fahrenheit, around 2 degree Celsius. According to Zack Labe, a climate scientist from the University of California at Irvine, this is one of the most expansive warm intrusions to have hit the region for the longest time. "No other warm intrusions were very close to this," Labe said in an interview, describing a data set maintained by the Danish Meteorological Institute that dated back to 1958. "I was taken by surprise how expansive this warm intrusion was," Labe noted. Some of the previously conducted studies have noted climatic intrusions to have become more frequent ever since the 1980s. The change in temperature has been linked to the decline of winter sea ice in the Arctic; January's ice extent was the lowest on record. With inputs from ANI

Temperatures soar at North Pole in warmest climatic intrusion

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