Was there a book reference somewhere in this I missed?
Antarctica is huge and remote but it isn't the moon or Mars and is regularly if sparsely inhabited. Also obviously been the subject of considerable research, especially lately. There is an entire constellation of satellites now that didn't exist in 1947. Certainly it's under far greater scrutiny now than ever before especially in light of climate change.
Antarctic Stations - Scientific Research Bases and Facilities
The Southern Ocean was just recognized as unique
How many oceans are there?
Could be something advanced hiding down there under the ice. Prove to me there isn't, right? Big place, but you would think the meter would be running out on maintaining their privacy. Also our activities are now affecting their environment more than ever before. Maybe that's why they have become more prevalent recently.