The Chilean Antarctic Institute (Inach) has released the fourth edition of the Visual Encyclopedia of Antarctica, a science outreach publication that updates figures and content on the state of the white continent and the impact of climate change. The launch took place in the institute's main hall in Punta Arenas and drew close to a hundred attendees.

The new edition updates the content of the previous version, published in 2021, and reflects recent developments such as the growing presence of social sciences within the National Antarctic Science Program (Procien).

Download the Visual Encyclopedia of Antarctica

The digital version of this fourth edition is available for free download on Inach's website:

👉 Download the Visual Encyclopedia of Antarctica – 4th edition

A publication that keeps evolving

The launch was moderated by Andrea Peña, head of Inach's Communications and Education Department, and opened with welcoming remarks from the institute's director, Gino Casassa, who noted that work on a fifth edition and other editorial projects is already underway.

Reiner Canales, journalist and editor at Inach, recounted the history behind the publication in remarks that included a tribute to writer and editor Rosamaría Solar, who passed away recently. Canales said the editorial team's goal has been to deliver high-quality volumes with reliable information, with design standards on par with any professional publication.

Glaciologist Ricardo Jaña, head of Inach's Scientific Department, highlighted that this edition gives more space to the social sciences within Procien and covers topics such as the ozone hole, which he described as relatively active and highly significant, given its effects on the region and its relevance to the planet's climate future.

A panel spanning science, education and the armed forces

The launch featured a panel discussion with representatives from different fields connected to Antarctic activity in Magallanes: journalist María Pastora Sandoval, of Mirador Antártico; Tania Pivcevic, representing Antarctic tour operators in the region; the regional education secretary, Valentín Aguilera; Lieutenant Gustavo Atala, of the 4th Air Brigade; Rear Admiral Juan Soto, commander-in-chief of the Third Naval Zone; and Major Elías Figueroa, of the Army's Antarctic Affairs Center.

Sandoval said one of the main challenges facing science journalism is simplifying complex topics so the public understands their direct relevance, especially in the social media era, and praised the encyclopedia for being designed not for specialists, but for anyone genuinely interested in Antarctic topics.

From a military standpoint, Major Elías Figueroa noted that armed forces personnel can apply to travel to the continent as field support for scientific research, an experience that, he said, offers a different perspective on the importance of that work.

Attendees also shared their views on the book's educational value, including Gloria Díaz, of the Antartikanos initiative, and biology student María Rojas, who both stressed the importance of science outreach for younger generations.

What's inside the new edition

Through detailed infographics, the encyclopedia covers glaciology, biology, paleontology, climate, the continent's natural history, the relationship between Chile and Antarctica, cold-climate adaptations, and international scientific collaboration.

The book was designed by studio Negro, with a cover by journalist and photographer Cristián Campos Melo.

Mirador Antártico invites readers to download and share the Visual Encyclopedia of Antarctica as a reference resource on the white continent.