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scott base

Scott Base in Antarctica

Scott Base in Antarctica

Scott Base in 2006.

Scott Base, New Zealand's permanent Antarctic research station, officially opened on 20 January 1957 as part of New Zealand's commitment to the Trans Antarctic Expedition (1955-58) and International Geophysical Year (1957-58). Since this time Scott Base has physically changed. The most significant change occurred when the complex was completely reconstructed between 1977 and 2005. Many of the original huts were destroyed but ‘A’ Hut and two others used during the IGY remain.

The Mess (A Hut) Scott Base

The Mess (A Hut) Scott Base

The Mess (A Hut) at Scott Base in January 1957.

Scott Base

Opening Scott Base in 1957

Opening Scott Base in 1957

Flag-raising ceremony at the opening of Scott Base on 20 January 1957. Appropriately, as the base was named after British explorer Robert Falcon Scott, the New Zealand flag was raised on a flagstaff that had been used by Scott at Hut Point in 1903.

© Geoffrey Lee Martin, Antarctica NZ Pictorial Collection: TAE499

Permission of Antarctica New Zealand must be obtained before any reuse of this image.

Scott Base opened in Antarctica

Scott Base, New Zealand’s permanent Antarctic research station, was declared established by Captain Harold Ruegg, the Administrator for the Ross Dependency. Ruegg gave a short speech to a small crowd which included Admiral Dufek and other officers from the nearby American logistical support base. Appropriately, as the base was named after the British explorer Robert Falcon Scott, the New Zealand flag was then raised on a flagstaff that had been used by Scott at Hut Point in 1903.

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