science π’ Polarstern hits massive sailing milestone
The German research icebreaker Polarstern reached two million nautical miles on August 26, 2026. This massive distance was covered since its service began on December 9, 1982, equivalent to over 92 Earth circumnavigations. The ship currently supports 55 researchers investigating processes from the seabed to the atmosphere. Despite its 40+ years of service, a replacement vessel is scheduled to take over in 2030 due to operational costs. Right now, it is mapping the geology of the Arctic Ocean for the Alfred Wegener Institute.