Snapshot of 12-month Antarctic adventure

TASMANIAN Barend Becker has an extra reason to celebrate Antarctica Day today — he is returning to Hobart after 12 months living and working on the continent.

The Antarctic observer is travelling back with the 2016- 17 winter crew on the Aurora Australia and is expected to arrive home on Sunday.

Mr Becker was selected for his fourth trip to Antarctica as part of the 2016-17 winter observation team for Davis station. He experienced a changing scenery of blizzards, record-breaking winds and an array of local wildlife — all caught on camera.

“The wildlife is amazing,” Mr Becker said.

“My most memorable experience though, was a walk on the frozen Lichen Lake — a freshwater lake in the Northern Vestfold Hills.

“And as an avid photographer, I have been in awe of the aurora australis. We had many wonderful nights of aurora activity.”

He is looking forward to meeting his first grandson, who was born in January.

“Being away from family and missing those family moments and events is the hardest part of being here,” Mr Becker said.

Antarctica Day celebrates the signing of the Antarctic Treaty in 1959.

The agreement was adopted by 12 countries, including Australia, to ensure Antarctica was used for “peaceful purposes”.