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Field expeditions for scientific observing
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| Field expeditions for scientific observing
The remainder of this paper is primarily concerned with the performance of two overland journeys made in the interests of magnetic science. They are the “Barrier” trek of Bernacchi and Lieutenant Charles Royds R.N. during Scott’s Discovery (December 1903) and the “Southern” party of Webb, Frank Hurley (photographer) and Lieutenant Bob Bage of the Royal Australian Engineers (assistant magnetician) to the Magnetic Pole during Mawson’s Aurora expedition (December and January 1912-13). Elements of some additional scientific activities from different expeditions are mentioned in the interests of expanding the context. Instructions Scott’s Discovery had been frozen in at Hut Point for a year longer than planned allowing Bernacchi to continue the magnetograph record on-base through the winter of 1903. By spring he was running low on the photographic paper for the Eschenhagen instrument and was reserving the remaining stock for fast run observations during magnetic storms and the agreed term days. During that winter Bernacchi badgered Scott to approve a journey towards the south-east across the ice barrier. Bernacchi’s strategy was to obtain a set of readings especially for magnetic dip along a straight line directly away from the dip pole, in order to better determine its location. Royds also wished to supplement his Hut Point meteorological data. It was known that there was a distinct microclimate operating in the vicinity of Winter Quarters (Hut Point). Scott seems to have missed the point of the journey from Bernacchi’s perspective, as there is no mention of magnetic studies in Scott’s list of objectives for the sledging party, only investigation of glaciology of the Ice Barrier (Scott, n.d.). Bernacchi’s objectives for the journey were recorded quite differently before departure and they stress scientific, not geographical objectives. This is evidence that Scott may not have been completely in touch with the work of the scientific programs. Bernacchi’s version of the instructions follow: Scientific Programme Barrier Sledge Journey 1903 1. Magnetic observations! Inclination & total force with Barrow Circle declination with prismatic compass. 2. Specimens of air for dust & chemical analysis Specimens of snow from various depths in [illegible] Specimens of solid ice (if found) from the furthest point for Ferrar 3. 2 holes that are dug measure with tape width of respective bands, icy layers … of any kind such as ‘blue veins’ ‘white veins’, ‘dust bands’ etc. 4. Observe any effects of thaw on surface + below temperature in holes 5. If possible observe structure of ice grains below surface /size, form, arrangement + time to separation when exposed 6. Observe direction of crevasses & sastrugi + depth & height respectively 7. Observe crusts; hollows; & uplifts 8. Rock, moraines etc 9. Careful observations at lowest point of barrier (if reached) (Bernacchi, 1903a) A complete record of the journey and the magnetic science performed is accessible in the form of Bernacchi’s sledging diary, the original notebook being held at the Thomas Manning archive of the SPRI, Cambridge (Bernacchi, 1903a) and an expanded, typed version in a private collection of a descendant (Bernacchi, 1903b). Although he provides little description of the social landscape, the diary offers interesting detail of the navigational and scientific work. 
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