Future of Antartica

While the existence of Antarctica was not confirmed until the nineteenth century, early Greek geographers believed there must be a large land mass around the south pole to balance the known land in the northern hemisphere. They named it opposite of the Arctic: the Anti-Arkitkos or Antarctica. Throughout the age of exploration, the search for Antarctica was perhaps the greatest adventure of all.

Discovery
See Antarctic Explorers

1772-1775
Captain James Cook (Great Britain)
During his voyage through the Pacific Captain Cook made the first circumnavigation of Antarctica and crossed the Antarctic Circle in three places. Although he penetrated to the farthest south latitude known at the time (71° 10' S, 106° 54'W), Cook never spotted the continent.

1820-1821
Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer (US)
As captain of the Hero, Nathaniel Palmer made the first sighting of the Antarctic continent just below South America. This area later became known at Palmer Peninsula.

1821-1824
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