Ancient and Modern History are Being Made at Sterkfontein

The Sterkfontein Caves in the Cradle of Humankind are once again living up to their reputation as the largest excavated depository of hominid fossils on earth. A new cache was found 100 feet deep in the narrow Rising Star Caves by a pair of recreational cavers last month.

Dr. Berger and team watching the expedition progress

In order to safely unearth the fossils Dr. Lee Berger, a paleontologist at Wits University and a National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence, shouted out to the world for some special scientists to help do the job. They had to have a Master's degree or Ph.D in paleontology, archaeology, or an associated field. They had to be experienced cavers.  

And they had to be able to fit through a 7 inch wide choke point in the passage leading to the chamber. 57 qualified researchers applied for the job and 7 were chosen. As you might guess they were all women!

Here is a link to an NBC New Report with some footage of the first group of "cave astronauts."

Follow the progress of the Rising Star Expedition. You can watch history being made.