Andreas Clarke
Wednesday, May 9th- 1:16PM
Boaty McBoatface is ready for departure!
You may remember the controversy caused last year when the will of the Internet was subverted by dour-faced executives who refused to name a new British Antarctic research vessel “Boaty McBoatface.” No matter how hard we all fought to see the vessel emblazoned with this most fitting of titles, it was instead named the “R.R.S. Sir David Attenborough,” which is a perfectly fine name, but not nearly in the same league.
But while the name “Boaty McBoatface” has not been applied to the enormous floating Antarctic research station, intrepid scientists have instead found another, even more fittingly British use for the name we all fell in love with: a yellow submarine.
It’s hard not to burst into song.
The small, unmanned yellow submarine has been loaded onto the RRS James Clark Ross, which will take it on its journey to Antarctica to assist with data capture. Boaty McBoatface will be used for important unmanned missions throughout the area, helping to collect data for various research projects. Its first task will be swimming through a global current called the Orkney Passage in order to help scientists gain a better understanding of water current circulation throughout the region and the environment on the ocean’s floor. This will aid research into how currents work, and how energy and heat move through Antarctica.
While this may not be the majestic sea vessel we all had in mind, it’s satisfying to know that there is at least one Boaty McBoatface exploring the oceans, helping humanity advance scientific progress. And the fact that this particular sub is so damn adorable only makes this victory sweeter.
