The windiest, coldest, and driest continent on Earth—Antarctica—was officially discovered in 1820. In the following decades, several countries organized expeditions to reach and explore the Antarctic ice sheets. The southernmost continent had no indigenous population and various nations claimed ownership. But in 1959, 12 countries signed the Antarctic Treaty, banning military activities and setting Antarctica aside for scientific research. Today, we celebrate the anniversary of this treaty, which now has 56 parties.

From suspended clouds of ice crystals to a subglacial, iron oxide-rich lake that seeps into a blood-red waterfall, this polar desert is full of natural wonders. Its massive ice sheet stores about 70% of the world's fresh water, enough to raise sea levels by more than 200 feet if it were to melt entirely.