An Up-Close Look at the Thwaites Glacier

Jan. 9, 2026, 4:55 p.m. ETAs the icebreaker Araon sailed back and forth in a channel adjacent to the Thwaites Glacier collecting oceanographic data on Thursday and Friday, our photographer took the opportunity to make some close-ups.“I probably shot all the corners and sides of the entire Thwaites’ shelves,” he said.As the glacier sheds ice every day, its many faces change, too. These photos capture just a moment in time of the melting Thwaites.The research expedition is continuing over the next several weeks, so check back for more photos and videos.Chang W. Lee has been a photographer for The Times for 30 years, covering events throughout the world. He is currently based in Seoul. Follow him on Instagram @nytchangster.