Antarctica: the final holiday frontier

Ice-man cometh: Photographer Thomas J Abercrombie after four hours' work at the IGY South Pole research station in 1957. On 17 September that year, a temperature of -102.1F was recorded, making it officially the coldest spot on earth.

Yesterday, 40 years later, Australia proposed closing two of its three Antarctic research bases, and turning them into tourist centres. Until now, tourism has been discouraged because of fears for the delicate ecosystem. Now, scientists say expeditions may be allowed - under strict supervision. Full report, Page 9 Photograph: Paul A Siple