Robert E. Peary, arctic explorer

The Geographical North Pole is the point in the northern hemisphere that intercepts the axis of the earth's rotation. A few hundred miles away is the relatively quickly drifting Magnetic North Pole, the point where the earth’s magnetic field, generated by an electric current through the outer molten core, points vertically downward. The earth’s magnetic field is indirectly visible in the north when solar wind -- a stream of electrons and protons from the sun -- collides with oxygen and nitrogen atoms in the earth’s atmosphere. Energy is released as photons of light, emitting spectacular sheets of green, red and orange called aurora borealis or the northern lights.

Like plant life above the treeline of a mountain, plant life above the treeline in the Arctic is relatively unproductive. The Arctic Tundra and Polar Deserts constitute limited solar radiation, extreme seasonal light/dark cycles, freezing temperatures, strong winds, and permanently frozen subsoils (permafrost). The fact that plant life survives at all is remarkable. Interestingly, most of the species are actually perinneals, and late spring, early summer flower blooms are reportedly stunning.

Animals in the north are similarly remarkable, and beautiful, with physical and behavioral characteristics that help them survive. Polar Bear fur is made up of translucent, hollow hairs that function as excellent insulators, and they stereotypically choose denning locations that minimize wind exposure. The desolation of the land is proportionate to the beauty of life there: Massive herds of caribou, coming together for the spring and fall migration, resemble a blanket of "smoke" across the open landscape.

Indigenous cultures have managed to live in the north for thousands of years. Indiginous people are keen observers, able to identify the constitution of a distant place by its reflection on overlying clouds. Their hunting methods mirror those of animals and their languages distinguish dozens of forms of sea ice. Early European expeditions to the North were so poorly served by their own winter clothing provisions, that resourceful captains ordered their entire crew to wear eskimo clothing. Including Robert E. Peary (above) who was the first to reach the Geographical North Pole in 1909.