By Nicola Slawson, The Guardian, adapted by Newsela staff

A small yellow robot submarine is being sent on its first Antarctic mission. The submarine is called Boaty McBoatface, after a competition to name a new polar research ship backfired.

Boaty has arguably one of the most famous names in recent maritime history. It is a new type of autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), which will be able to travel under ice and reach depths of 6,000 meters. Boaty will transmit the data it collects to researchers via a radio link. Continue reading “Boaty McBoatface goes on its first Antarctic mission” →