Antarctic Exploration

The determined pursuit of polar exploration to Antarctica, or Terra Australis Incognita as it was first known, began in the 15thcentury, when it was proved that the area had no other land connections, and was an isolated continent waiting to be explored. The discussion of the land around the South Pole had actually begun much earlier in the 2nd Century AD, when it was named the Antarctic- the literal polar opposite of the Arctic. Captain James Cook led the first successful voyage to cross the Antarctic Circle in 1773, but the South Pole was not reached until the end of 1911, when after many failed attempts by countries including America and Belgium, the Norwegian Amundsen closely beat the British Crew led by Scott. 1914 marked the epic journey of the Endurance and its crew led by Shackleton. Although this mission failed to reach its goal of a full land crossing of Antarctica, it would become legendary for the men's bravery, endurance and camaraderie. By the mid 20th century, air exploration of the continent had begun, led by the Americans. It was a vital development in Antarctic exploration. In 1958, British explorer Vivian Fuchs and his team would finally complete Shackleton's dream of an overland crossing, in which they were aided by supplies from the New Zealand expedition led by Sir Edmund Hillary. It was shortly after this, in 1959, that the Antarctic Treaty was signed, protecting the land, and encouraging the further scientific research of the most southern continent on earth.