Small-Ship and Expedition Cruises: Antarctic Circle

The Antarctic Circle is an imaginary line of latitude located approximately 66.5° south of the Equator. It marks the northern boundary of the Antarctic region and serves as a crucial geographical marker for understanding Earth's climate, daylight patterns, and ecosystem. 

There are no permanent human settlements south of the Antarctic Circle, as the continent is protected by the Antarctic Treaty, which designates the region for scientific research and prohibits military activity. Instead, research stations operated by various countries are scattered across Antarctica, conducting studies on climate change, glaciology, marine biology, and astronomy—these house temporary residents.

One of the most distinctive features of this region is the variation in daylight throughout the year. During the Summer Solstice, the area experiences 24 hours of daylight, known as the Midnight Sun. In contrast, the sun does not rise during the Winter Solstice, leading to a polar night that results in total darkness.