Aurora Expeditions has partnered with Thermal Imaging of Polar Ice (TIPI) founder Joe Muise to introduce a new citizen science initiative using thermal imaging technology across its expedition fleet.
The collaboration marks a world first for expedition cruising, with Aurora becoming the first operator to deploy thermal imaging at scale as part of an onboard, expedition-based citizen science program. The initiative is now fully operational across the fleet.
Using thermal imaging to study polar ice
The Thermal Imaging of Polar Ice project uses specialised thermal cameras to detect surface temperature differences across glaciers and ice formations. Rather than capturing light, the technology translates temperature variations into colour, allowing melt patterns and subtle changes in polar ice to be visualised in ways not visible to the human eye.
Through this approach, expeditioners are able to observe temperature dynamics and ice behaviour while contributing meaningful data to ongoing scientific research.
Developed with TIPI founder Joe Muise, the program is being refined in real expedition conditions to ensure the data collected is scientifically robust, repeatable and suitable for long-term analysis.
Citizen science at the heart of the experience
The initiative is delivered onboard by Aurora Expeditions’ team of glaciologists and Citizen Science Coordinators, with expeditioners actively involved in collecting thermal imagery throughout each voyage.
Joe Muise said the project opens up new ways of understanding environmental change in polar regions.
“Thermal imaging allows us to visualise information that we normally can’t see, including temperature shifts and subtle melt patterns,” Muise said. “By applying and strengthening this methodology in expedition conditions, we’re laying the foundations for what could become a valuable longitudinal dataset.”
Aurora Expeditions’ commitment to science-led exploration
The thermal imaging program forms part of Aurora Expeditions’ long-standing commitment to science-led exploration, where guests are encouraged to participate directly in research and deepen their understanding of the environments they visit.
Michael Heath, Chief Executive Officer of Aurora Expeditions, said the collaboration reflects the company’s approach to responsible exploration.
“Exploration comes with a responsibility to learn, share knowledge and contribute where we can,” Heath said. “This initiative gives expeditioners a meaningful way to engage with science while helping build greater awareness of environmental change in polar regions.”
Aurora Expeditions will continue sharing thermal imagery and findings through its citizen science program, supporting broader scientific research and reinforcing its focus on education, innovation and environmental responsibility.
