Pushing into the Southern Hemisphere! RV "Xuelong" Crosses the Equator

At 13:03 Beijing time on the 8th, the RV "Xuelong", currently carrying out China's 42nd Antarctic research expedition, crossed the equator and entered the Southern Hemisphere. The "Xuelong 2" is also expected to cross the equator on the 9th.

The Chinese 42nd Antarctic expedition team held an equator-crossing ceremony aboard the "Xuelong". The team members formed up in the shape of "42" for a group photo, bidding farewell to the Northern Hemisphere in a simple yet spirited manner as they continued their push towards Antarctica.

Liu Shaojia, the Chief Officer of the "Xuelong", said that navigation has been an undertaking full of risks and challenges since ancient times, and crossing the equator is a significant milestone in any voyage. "Holding commemorative activities helps boost morale and alleviate the stress crew members face during long voyages. This ceremony, filled with humanity's reverence for the ocean and wishes for safe navigation, has gradually become an important symbol of maritime culture."

This expedition is supported by both the "Xuelong" and the "Xuelong 2". The "Xuelong" is scheduled to replenish supplies and embark new team members at an Australian port in mid-to-late November, after which it will proceed to the Antarctic Zhongshan Station. The "Xuelong 2" is expected to arrive at the Zhongshan Station in late November.

China's 42nd Antarctic expedition, organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources, will further improve the supporting facilities of the Qinling Station, test and verify several new technologies and equipment independently designed and developed, and conduct operational observation and monitoring in the Southern Ocean, among other tasks.