Second Byrd Antarctic Expedition

The Second Byrd Antarctic Expedition, led by U.S. naval officer and polar explorer Richard E. Byrd, took place from 1933 to 1935. This expedition aimed to map and claim land around the South Pole, extending the exploration of Marie Byrd Land and continuing scientific observations. A notable and controversial event during this expedition was Byrd's decision to spend five months alone in a weather station named Bolling Advance Base, buried 123 miles south of Little America. He endured extreme cold and suffered from frostbite and carbon monoxide poisoning before being rescued.1

The period between World War I and World War II marked the beginning of the aerial age of Antarctic exploration, with advancements in aircraft, cameras, and radios being adapted for polar use. Richard E. Byrd was a pioneer in utilizing these technologies, conducting multiple expeditions that made extensive use of ski-planes and aerial photography. His expeditions significantly contributed to the scientific understanding and mapping of Antarctica.21