Loyal readers of this blog may remember Kristin Laidre, the ballet-dancer-turned-oceanographer whose research on narwhals kicked off our Narwhal Week this past June.

So it was a bit like running into an old friend when I turned on NPR’s morning edition yesterday to hear a field report on Dr. Laidre’s research.

The piece really brings home the difficulties inherent in studying narwhals, from the harsh conditions at the top of the world to the slippery nature of the creatures themselves. Visit NPR’s website to listen to the feature or read a written version of the piece. And blog readers in the States should be sure to listen to today’s Morning Edition for a follow up piece on the Inuit hunters assisting Dr. Laidre with her research. That piece should also be available online any time after 9:00 AM EST today.

Does all this talk of narwhals have you itching for an Arctic expedition of your own? Check out our trips page for more information on expeditions across the hemisphere!

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A satellite image generated by Noetix showing the location of the pack ice in Navy Board

Last week, I mentioned Arctic Kingdom’s collaboration with Noetix, a company that provides real-time maps of the Arctic’s ever-shifting floe edge. Expedition manager Thomas Lennartz was on the ice, following Noetix-generated maps and reporting back with conditions in the field. The purpose of this collaboration was to provide Noetix with feedback on the information their satellite images provide, allowing them to provide more nuanced information about conditions on the ice.

Today, I was able to get my hands on some images from that collaboration. What follows are Satellite images of Navy Board in late May provided by Noetix, along with some notes about conditions on and off the ice from Thomas.

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via BBC NEWS, ‘Arctic unicorns’ in icy display.

This week, I’m highlighting narwhals in honor of Arctic Kingdom’s upcoming expedition to Lancaster Sound. The expedition’s primary goal is to view and swim with narwhal and beluga as they begin their summer migration.

So I was thrilled when I stumbled upon that video up there. This is what the Lancaster Sound trip is all about!

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Harsh though it seems, the High Arctic teems with life. One of the things I love about this video is how much of that life is in evidence, from large mammals, including narwhal and beluga, to the clouds of plankton that swirl around the camera and divers. And check out the crazy undersea plant life that shows up at around 1:42!

This video also showcases the diving, photographic opportunities, and natural beauty that make Lancaster Sound one of our most popular destinations. Visit the trip page to find out how you can join the fun!

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"The Beluga and Narwhal are possibly the most curious creatures I have ever encountered. The amazing thing is that they come to you! Snorkeling meant we could spend as long as we liked with them. They dive into your path and then under you, blowing up bubbles that catch on your face and middle. Sometimes the whale song was so loud you could feel it reverberate down your neck and drive around your ears!" - Nell Battye, AK dive participant

When: June 12- June 25 & June 25 – July 8
Where: Lancaster Sound
Featured Animals: Narwhal, Beluga, and Bowhead Whales

It’s not hard to see why this is one of our most popular trips! The floe edge along Lancaster Sound is one of the best wildlife-viewing spots in the Arctic. In the late spring, as the sea ice begins to melt and crack, the waters along the edge of the ice teem with life.

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