Based on the provided text, here are some English reading comprehension questions:

1. What initially made Antarctica as remote as the moon to early Americans?
   A) Its climate was similar to the moon's.
   B) It was not visible and its existence was uncertain.
   C) It was only accessible by boat.
   D) It was covered entirely in ice.
2. What is the purpose of the international treaty mentioned in the text?
   A) To claim Antarctica for the United States.
   B) To protect Antarctica from national rivalries and allow exploration.
   C) To divide Antarctica among exploring countries.
   D) To restrict access to Antarctica to protect its environment.
3. Why is Antarctica considered important for all mankind?
   A) Because of its potential for tourism.
   B) Due to its unique climate conditions.
   C) It is a large, yet least studied, area of the earth's surface.
   D) It is rich in oil resources.
4. What makes Antarctica's climate and geography unique compared to the Arctic regions?
   A) It has a warmer climate.
   B) It is home to a large variety of land animals.
   C) It is a vast basin of rock filled with ice, with some areas below sea level.
   D) It is more accessible by sea.
5. What potential economic values does Antarctica hold?
   A) Only scientific research opportunities.
   B) Tourism and ice mining.
   C) Mineral resources and unique biological specimens.
   D) Fishing rights for the surrounding oceans.
6. How does Antarctica contribute to space research?
   A) By providing a location for launching space missions.
   B) Through its unique position for observation and as a space tracking station.
   C) By offering a terrain similar to other planets for testing rovers.
   D) It doesn't contribute to space research.
7. What is the significance of the South Pole in terms of satellite observation?
   A) It's the only place on Earth where satellites can be launched.
   B) Satellites can remain continuously visible to an antenna at the pole.
   C) It's where most satellites orbit closest to Earth.
   D) The magnetic field at the South Pole enhances satellite communication.
   Answers:
8. B) It was not visible and its existence was uncertain.
9. B) To protect Antarctica from national rivalries and allow exploration.
10. C) It is a large, yet least studied, area of the earth's surface.
11. C) It is a vast basin of rock filled with ice, with some areas below sea level.
12. C) Mineral resources and unique biological specimens.
13. B) Through its unique position for observation and as a space tracking station.
14. B) Satellites can remain continuously visible to an antenna at the pole.