Sir John Franklin's 1845 Expedition: Departure on June 11, 1847
1847 · , Canada
Sir John Franklin's expeditionary team departs from the company of their supply ships in an effort to chart the Northwest Passage as part of a British Royal Navy voyage.
Discovery of the Magnetic North Pole by James Clark Ross
On June 1, 1831, British naval officer and explorer James Clark Ross made a significant contribution to the field of geomagnetism by discovering the location of the Magnetic North Pole. This discovery was a pivotal moment in the history of exploration and scientific understanding of Earth’s magnetic field.
Background
James Clark Ross was part of a British expedition led by his uncle, Sir John Ross, aboard the ship HMS Victory. The expedition, which began in 1829, aimed to explore the Arctic regions and conduct scientific research, including the study of the Earth’s magnetism. The quest to locate the Magnetic North Pole was driven by the need to improve navigation and understanding of magnetic variation, which affected compass readings crucial for maritime travel.
The Discovery
On June 1, 1831, after enduring harsh Arctic conditions, James Clark Ross and his team reached the location of the Magnetic North Pole on the Boothia Peninsula in what is now Nunavut, Canada. Using a dip circle, an instrument designed to measure the angle of magnetic inclination, Ross determined that the magnetic field lines were vertical at this point, indicating the position of the Magnetic North Pole.
Significance
The discovery of the Magnetic North Pole was a landmark achievement in the field of geomagnetism. It provided valuable data for understanding the Earth’s magnetic field and its variations. This information was crucial for improving navigation techniques, as it allowed for more accurate compass readings by accounting for magnetic declination.
Aftermath and Legacy
James Clark Ross’s discovery paved the way for further scientific exploration and study of the Earth’s magnetic field. His work laid the foundation for future expeditions and research in polar regions. Ross himself continued to have a distinguished career, later leading his own Antarctic expedition from 1839 to 1843, during which he charted much of the continent’s coastline.
The location of the Magnetic North Pole has since been found to be dynamic, moving over time due to changes in the Earth’s magnetic field. This ongoing movement continues to be a subject of study for scientists today.
In summary, the discovery of the Magnetic North Pole by James Clark Ross on June 1, 1831, was a significant milestone in the history of exploration and science, enhancing our understanding of Earth’s magnetic properties and aiding in the advancement of navigation technology.