Astrobiologist Dale Andersen Prepares for 2026 Antarctic Expedition

Astrobiologist Dale Andersen is set to lead an international research expedition to Lake Untersee in Antarctica from early January to the end of February 2026. This field season will involve a team of graduate students and scientists from the United States, Canada, and Austria, as they explore a unique microbial ecosystem beneath the thick ice of this remote location. The research is coordinated through the Carl Sagan Center at the SETI Institute.

Andersen’s long history of exploration in Antarctica dates back to 1987 when he first met his collaborator Keith. Together, they have documented various research activities over the years. In recognition of his contributions to planetary science and exploration, the Explorers Club recently awarded Andersen the prestigious Finn Ronne Memorial Award. The club highlighted that his work continues to inspire public understanding of science and the resilience of life.

Exploring Earth’s Ancient Ecosystems

The upcoming expedition aims to uncover secrets about Earth’s earliest biosphere, largely represented by microbial life in Lake Untersee. Researchers will investigate cyanobacterial mats that have remained undisturbed for billions of years, providing insights into how life once thrived in environments with minimal oxygen. This microbial ecosystem may inform the search for life on other planets, such as Mars and the icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn.

The team plans to route through Cape Town, South Africa, arriving in early January 2026. They will depart for Antarctica on January 6 and return at the end of February. Their journey will commence at the Nova Airbase (approximately 70.823° S, 11.641° E), operated by Ultima Antarctic Logistics. Nearby research stations include Maitri, managed by India’s National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, and Novolazarevskaya or ‘Novo Station’, operated by the Russian Antarctic Expedition.

Visitors can view real-time conditions at the Nova Airbase via a webcam. The site frequently experiences low cloud cover, flat lighting, and windy conditions, all of which present challenges for the team. Flights to and from the base may be tracked on platforms like FlightRadar24, providing a glimpse of the logistical efforts involved in these remote expeditions.

The Significance of Lake Untersee

Lake Untersee is situated within the majestic mountains of Queen Maud Land. The area faces extreme weather conditions, including winds that can reach up to 110 mph. For four months, darkness envelops the region, and the relentless sounds of cracking ice and howling winds are constant companions. The surrounding landscape, characterized by towering peaks and glaciers, adds to the challenges faced by the research team.

The cyanobacterial mats in Lake Untersee are reminiscent of Earth’s ancient environments. These organisms played a critical role in shaping our planet’s atmosphere by harnessing sunlight and producing oxygen as a metabolic byproduct. This process initiated a transformation that ultimately enabled the development of complex, multicellular life.

Andersen emphasized that the research aims to increase our understanding of Earth’s history and inform future explorations beyond our planet. The findings from Lake Untersee are not only significant for understanding life on Earth but also for guiding the search for extraterrestrial life in similarly extreme environments across the solar system.

As the expedition approaches, Andersen encourages those interested to watch a short film he created, titled “Whispers Beneath the Ice: Discovering the Hidden Life of Lake Untersee.” This film provides an initial glimpse of the stark beauty of the region and hints at the scientific discoveries that await the team.

With preparations underway, the 2026 field season promises to shed light on the mysteries of life in extreme environments and contribute to our broader understanding of life’s potential in the universe.