Penguin Webcam 2, Antarctica (GARS O'Higgins station): worldwide first penguin webcam from the continent of ice and rock. Picture update normally every 15 minutes. Picture size: 640x480. Details »
Scott base webcam is located in the Hillary Field Centre briefing room, looking towards the flag pole with White Island in the distance. Picture size: 640x480. Details »
Antarctica: Speculation over the existence of a "southern land" was not confirmed until the early 1820s when British and American commercial operators and British and Russian national expeditions began exploring the Antarctic Peninsula region and other areas south of the Antarctic Circle. Not until 1840 was it established that Antarctica was indeed a continent and not just a group of islands. Several exploration "firsts" were achieved in the early 20th century. Following World War II, there was an upsurge in scientific research on the continent. A number of countries have set up year-round research stations on Antarctica. Seven have made territorial claims, but not all countries recognize these claims. In order to form a legal framework for the activities of nations on the continent, an Antarctic Treaty was negotiated that neither denies nor gives recognition to existing territorial claims; signed in 1959, it entered into force in 1961.