Hello, and welcome to the Web site of the 2003-2004 Antarctic Scout. My name is Brad Range, and I will be your National Science Foundation/Boy Scouts of America-sponsored guide across the harshest land on Earth. Antarctica is the coldest, driest, highest, southernmost continent and is considered by many to be the last terrestrial frontier in the world. My job as Antarctic Scout is to tell you about some of the things that I experience here, in this environment that can be duplicated nowhere else on Earth.

The temperature outside was around -27 degrees F when this picture was taken at the Ceremonial South Pole.

One of the most interesting aspects of this program is that as soon as I became the 2003 Antarctic Scout, I became a part of a long and proud history of Antarctic Scouts that have been coming to Antarctica over the course of the last 75 years. August 20th, the day that I stepped out of the Air Force C17 onto the Ice, was exactly 75 years to the day after Paul Siple, the first Antarctic Scout, sailed out of New York Harbor on his way to Antarctica with Admiral Richard Byrd.

Since that day that I first arrived in McMurdo, I have had many experiences that can only be described as once in a lifetime. I have worked with many scientists who are world-renowned experts in their fields, in everything from ozone levels in the upper atmosphere to the dynamics of microorganism populations on the sea floor. I have helped scientists who study seals and penguins, flown by helicopter to remote areas in the Dry Valleys, and helped put together sleds that will be pulled by tractor overland all the way to the South Pole.

I spent New Year's 2004 at South Pole station, which is about 800 miles away from McMurdo. While there I saw telescopes that look into the galactic center at radiation that is literally as old as our universe. The South Pole has to be one of the few places on Earth where a Boy Scout can be looking at world-class astrophysics one day and helping wash dishes in the galley the next. I also spent time working with South Pole Cargo and I toured the construction of the new elevated station, which is set to be completed in 2005.

I am about to embark on the final stage of my journey on board the Nathaniel B. Palmer, an icebreaking science research vessel. I will spend two months on board the NBP before disembarking in Lyttleton, New Zealand. Some of the science projects that will be conducted on board include research into the driving forces behind the world's ocean currents and studying orca whales.

The following is a brief description of everything you can find on this Web site:

Journal

In this section, you will find my play-by-play account of what happens on the Ice. Everything that happens to me on a daily basis will go here, from the people I meet to the interesting research I participate in, along with the best photos of my experiences. Each issue summarizes one or two weeks of my life here.

Pictures

Here I have pictures with descriptive captions that will both tell and show you what I've been doing on The Ice. They're divided chronologically by the projects that I've been working on. Also included are pictures taken before my deployment so that you can see some of the background work that I did before coming down here.

About

This section contains more than you ever wanted to know about yours truly! From my science experience to my good times with the Georgia Tech marching band, you'll can get to know me nearly as well as my own mother.

History

Because my year as Antarctic Scout fell exactly during the 75th anniversary of the program, the history of the BSA Antarctic Scientific Program is my primary focus here, including some biographic information of the 10 previous Antarctic Scouts.

Science

This section might seem intimidating, but I promise to do my best to explain all the complicated science. I didn't understand most of the research goals when they were first explained to me, but never fear, they can be understood! Here you'll find not only the research projects I'm engaged in, but also any cool facts I run across on the Ice. Educators, look here! I've tried to translate everything I'm doing into the simplest terms so even young students can appreciate some of the scientific aspects of the Antarctic.

Contact

By far MY favorite section! Here you can e-mail me and see the list of people who have already contacted me with questions or comments. E-mail me and I might put your question or comment on the Web site!

Well, that's it for the introductory stuff. I invite you to come in, look around, and check back for updates! Because I am often out in the field and away from my computer, the Web site only receives periodic updates, but I promise to do the best I can. Thank you for your support, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours in Scouting,
Brad Range

Last Updated: March 11, 2004