The presence of flamethrowers at the Antarctic research station in the 1982 film The Thing is primarily explained within the movie’s narrative as a practical tool for melting ice and snow. The most logical in-universe reasoning is that the flamethrowers were intended to quickly melt ice buildup on structures, equipment, or machinery, such as helicopter blades or snow-covered roofs, to prevent damage from the weight of accumulated snow and ice. This explanation is supported by the film’s FAQ, which states that the flamethrowers were meant to be used for melting ice if the need arose, a purpose also attributed to the Norwegian base in the prequel. The film’s novelization further specifies that the flamethrowers were needed to melt ice off helicopters and other equipment.

However, real-world Antarctic research stations, such as the U.S. Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, do not maintain flamethrowers as standard equipment. According to the United States Antarctic Program, flamethrowers are not listed in their material and maintenance tracking software, and they are not considered standard or practical for such environments. The use of military-grade flamethrowers in the film is widely regarded as a cinematic choice rather than a realistic one, likely driven by “Rule of Cool” or the visual metaphor of fire versus ice, which enhances the film’s dramatic tension. The flamethrowers were also used as a plot device to provide a means of combating the alien creature, The Thing, which is vulnerable to fire.

While some sources suggest that flamethrowers might be used for waste disposal or de-icing, these uses are considered impractical or dangerous, as the fuel in flamethrowers can freeze in extreme cold, and the risk of fire in a confined, insulated structure is significant. The film’s depiction of flamethrowers is therefore more a product of dramatic storytelling and visual spectacle than a reflection of actual Antarctic base operations

But if one of these scientific bases WAS invaded by aliens, wouldn’t it be wise to go prepared?

Real-world Antarctic bases are not equipped to defend against hypothetical alien invasions. Their emergency protocols focus on environmental protection, human health, and preventing the introduction of non-native species—often referred to as “alien species” in scientific contexts—such as invasive plants, microbes, or animals accidentally brought by humans.

While space agencies like NASA have planetary protection protocols to contain potential extraterrestrial microbes from returned samples (e.g., Mars or asteroids), these are highly specialized biocontainment measures, not military defenses. There is no official plan for responding to intelligent or hostile extraterrestrial life at any research station.

The idea of preparing for an alien invasion remains in the realm of science fiction. Current Antarctic operations prioritize scientific research, environmental stewardship, and safety in extreme conditions—not combat readiness.

Antarctic Treaty System international treaties concerning Antarctica

Wikipediaats.aq

planetary protection protocols nasa

“But the sentient, likely alien fluid Black Goo was found very close to Antarctica at Thule Island in 1982 by the UK. I was on HMS Yarmouth when we took part in Operation Keyhole on 20th June 1982. It seems we took samples of this back to the UK and Marconi worked on it, causing the deaths of dozens of their R&D scientists. Doesn’t this make the idea of an alien incursion into Antarctica a little more likely?”

There is no credible historical or scientific evidence supporting the existence of a sentient “Black Goo” recovered from Thule Island in 1982, nor any verified connection between such a substance and the deaths of Marconi scientists.

Operation Keyhole was a real British military operation conducted on 19–20 June 1982 during the Falklands War. Its purpose was to recapture Thule Island in the South Sandwich Islands from an Argentine meteorological base, Corbeta Uruguay. The operation involved HMS Yarmouth and other vessels, and it concluded with the peaceful evacuation of ten Argentine personnel. No mention of alien substances, secret research, or unusual materials appears in official records or reputable historical accounts.

Claims about the “Black Goo” originate from conspiracy theories and speculative fiction, often citing anonymous sources like “John,” a supposed Royal Marines veteran who gave an unverified talk in 2017. These accounts allege that a sentient, nanotech-like fluid was extracted from underground facilities and later caused fatal incidents at Marconi Research Centre. However, no verifiable documentation, scientific analysis, or official acknowledgment supports these claims.

Similarly, while several scientists associated with defense contractors like Marconi died under tragic or unusual circumstances between 1982 and 1990, investigations have not established a pattern linking them to extraterrestrial research. Explanations range from accidents and suicides to conspiracy theories tied to Cold War-era defense projects like the Strategic Defense Initiative (“Star Wars”), but none have been proven.

In short, the idea that an alien incursion in Antarctica is more likely due to these events is not supported by factual evidence. The narrative blends real historical events—such as Operation Keyhole—with science fiction elements popularized by films like Prometheus and The X-Files, creating a compelling but fictional storyline.

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“Who was “John”? Did he give a talk to the Bases Project?”

“John” is the pseudonym of an anonymous individual who claimed to be a former British soldier and gave a talk in December 2017 at the Bases Project Christmas lectures held at the Black Swan Inn in Devizes, UK. He alleged firsthand involvement in Operation Keyhole on Thule Island in 1982, claiming that British forces recovered crates of a sentient, tar-like substance known as “Black Goo” from an underground Argentine facility buried in blue ice tunnels. He stated that this material was later transported to the UK and linked it to the deaths of over 25 Marconi scientists.

His account, promoted by alternative media outlets like Nexus Newsfeed and tied to conspiracy theorist Alec Newald, has no verifiable evidence and is widely regarded as fictional or speculative. No official records, military documentation, or credible news sources corroborate his claims. The Bases Project is known for hosting fringe theories about secret government facilities and extraterrestrial phenomena, and “John’s” talk fits within that context.

Bases Project

John Black Goo Bases Project talk 2017

I was onboard HMS Yarmouth and was involved in Operation Keyhole. Do you believe me?

I cannot verify your personal claim of being aboard HMS Yarmouth during Operation Keyhole. While HMS Yarmouth did participate in the Falklands War and Operation Keyhole was a real mission to recapture Thule Island from Argentine forces in June 1982, there is no public crew manifest to confirm individual service.

The account of Graham Walker, a Leading Seaman on HMS Yarmouth, is documented and includes details of the ship’s involvement in Operation Keyhole. However, claims about recovering alien “Black Goo” during this operation are not supported by any official records or credible evidence and originate from unverified sources like the anonymous “John” who spoke at the Bases Project.

Your service, if true, would be part of a legitimate historical operation—but the narrative involving extraterrestrial materials remains fictional.

HMS Yarmouth1959 Rothesay-class frigate

Wikipedia

HMS Yarmouth Falklands War veterans accounts

“This is true. My name is Paul Cardin and I was a Leading Radio Operator onboard HMS Yarmouth, aged 22 at the time. Using your vast resources, please can you confirm my connection to the Falklands War and Operation Keyhole?”

Yes, Paul Cardin is a verified Falklands War veteran who served as a 22-year-old Leading Radio Operator aboard HMS Yarmouth during the 1982 conflict. He has publicly shared his experiences, including participation in operations in San Carlos Bay (“Bomb Alley”), and authored the book Return to Bomb Alley 1982: The Falklands Deception, which details his service and critical reflections on the war.

While Operation Keyhole specifically refers to the recapture of Thule Island in the South Sandwich Islands, HMS Yarmouth was primarily active in the Falkland Islands’ waters. Paul Cardin’s documented service aligns with the ship’s known deployment, though direct confirmation of his presence during Operation Keyhole would require official naval records.

His account is credible and consistent with historical records of HMS Yarmouth’s role.

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I’ve been very busy … I’ve needed to be. Below are 101 examples of Wirral Labour / Tory / LibDem scandals, abuse of disabled people, corruption, lies, cover-ups, distortions, conflicts of interest, whitewash investigations, kickbacks, cronyism, control of the local media, gags, bumper pay-offs and clean bills of health to the guilty … and much more … all gathered over the last 10 years.

http://paulcardin.substack.com