On January 28, 1820, a new portion of the world was unveiled, now known as Antarctica. Previously unseen, this historic event forever altered exploration and geography. A Russian explorer first glimpsed this icy terrain.
Under the leadership of Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen and Mikhail Lazarev, a Russian expedition team uncovered Antarctica. Thus, January 28 is celebrated as Antarctica Day, honoring one of the world's most isolated and enigmatic regions.
The first Russian Antarctic expedition, spanning 1819-1821, was led by Baltic German Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen. As a Russian naval officer, Fabian, alongside his second-in-command Mikhail Lazarev, captained the Vostok ship, marking a pivotal journey. They became the first to cross the Antarctic Circle post Captain Cook and, in January 1820, the first to observe Antarctica, navigating the continent twice. Bellingshausen was instrumental in naming several Antarctic locations, including Peter the First Island and Alexander Coast.
Commencement of the Russian Antarctic Expedition
The existence of the southern continent remained unknown until Emperor Alexander I initiated the Russian Antarctic exploration. He sought to expand Russia's maritime knowledge by confirming the southern landmass's existence. The expedition embarked from Kronstadt on July 4, 1819, aboard the ships 'Vostok' and 'Mirny.' The crew, comprising scientists and sailors, was poised for groundbreaking discoveries.
After nearly two years of battling devastating storms and perilous ice, Bellingshausen and Lazarev reached 69°21'28” south latitude on January 28, 1820. They observed immense ice structures, indicative of nearby land. Only later did they realize they were witnessing a continent. This sighting is widely acknowledged as the first confirmed glimpse of Antarctica.
Another Explorer Nears Antarctica Two Days Later
While Bellingshausen's expedition is credited with discovering Antarctica, other explorers were simultaneously probing these southern waters. Just two days later, on January 30, British sailor Edward Bransfield sighted Trinity Land, part of the Antarctic Peninsula. Additionally, South American seal hunting expert Nathaniel Palmer claimed to have sighted land in November 1820.
