Distant shot of a large iceberg, Antarctica.
Distant shot of a large iceberg, Antarctica.
Photograph by Herbert G. Ponting, Nat Geo Image Collection

100-Year-Old Photos Reveal Antarctica Like You've Never Seen It

Pictures captured by photographer Herbert Ponting in the early 20th century show the coldest continent before climate change took hold.

With our polar regions rapidly shrinking—and more bad news this week—it can make one nostalgic for an Antarctica that was, well, intact.

The windiest, coldest, and driest place on Earth, the continent has long attracted explorers on a quest for adventure. National Geographic Magazine in particular has a history of fascination with Antarctica, publishing its first story on the region in 1894.

In 1907, National Geographic published some of the first-ever photos of the icy world. Years later, an issue published in 1924 featured photographs by Herbert Ponting and showed an intimate look at the region few had ever seen. The British photographer also documented parts of the Terra Nova expedition, led by British explorer Robert Falcon Scott from

Unlock this story for free
Create an account to read the full story and get unlimited access to hundreds of Nat Geo articles.

Unlock this story for free

Want the full story? Sign up to keep reading and unlock hundreds of Nat Geo articles for free.
Already have an account?
SIGN IN

Read This Next

What bacteria lurk in your city? Consult the bees.
Is melatonin giving you nightmares?
Why are these orcas killing sharks and removing their livers?

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet