Aurora Expeditions has partnered with Thermal Imaging of Polar Ice (TIPI) founder Joe Muise to bring a new citizen science initiative to its expedition fleet, using thermal imaging technology to deepen the understanding of polar ice and environmental change.

“This project allows us to see polar environments in an entirely new way,” said Muise.

The initiative makes Aurora Expeditions the first expedition operator to apply thermal imaging technology at scale within an expedition-based citizen science program.

“At Aurora, we believe exploration comes with a responsibility to learn, share knowledge, and contribute where we can,” said Michael Heath, chief executive officer of Aurora Expeditions.

The project uses specialized thermal cameras that detect surface temperature differences, allowing ice formations and glaciers to be viewed through heat rather than light.

By translating temperature into color, the imagery provides a way to understand ice dynamics while supporting scientific observation.

Heath further explained:, “Thermal imaging lets us visualize information that we normally can’t – allowing us to track temperature, melt, and subtle changes in ice. By piloting and strengthening the methodology in real expedition conditions, we’re laying the groundwork for what could become a valuable longitudinal dataset.”

The initiative is delivered onboard by Aurora’s expedition team of glaciologists and citizen science coordinators, with expeditioners actively participating in the collection of imagery throughout each voyage.

“This collaboration reflects our approach – working alongside experts to help bring greater awareness to environmental change, while giving our expeditioners the opportunity to meaningfully engage with science in the places that matter most,” added Heath.

Aurora Expeditions is sharing thermal imagery and findings through its citizen science program, supporting ongoing scientific research.