Sixth Norwegian Antarctic Expedition
The sixth Norwegian Antarctic Expedition was a scientific expedition to Queen Maud Land in Antarctica. The expedition was based at Norway Station which was located on the Fimbul Ice Shelf bordering the coast of Queen Maud Land.
The expedition carried out survey work and scientific studies over a period of three-four years. The expedition was intended as part of Norway's participation in the International Geophysical Year, 1957-58. The crew set sail from Oslo on board two whaling ships, the Polarsirkel and Polarbjørn, on 10 November 1956.
The expedition was led by Sigurd Gunnarson Helle, a geodesist at Norsk Polarinstitutt. It included a total crew of fourteen researchers which was reduced to nine during the third year. Among their activities were topological mapping of the region.
In 1960, King Olav V of Norway instituted the Antarctic Medal commemorating the expedition which was awarded to 37 people who were attached to the expedition in various ways.
