Discovery Expedition
Introduction
The Discovery Expedition was a British venture launched in 1901, marking the first official British exploration of the Antarctic regions since James Clark Ross's voyage sixty years earlier. Organized on a large scale under a joint committee of the Royal Society and the Royal Geographical Society (RGS), the new expedition carried out scientific research and geographical exploration in what was then largely an untouched continent.
Background
The expedition was proposed by Sir Clements Markham, President of the Royal Geographical Society, and had been a dream of his since 1872. The plan was to take advantage of the scientific and geographical interests in the Antarctic regions to launch a full-scale exploring expedition. The proposal met with varied responses. The Royal Society, arguing that the undertaking should be a scientific one, agreed to the expedition and began preparations.
Planning and Preparation
The planning of the expedition was an extensive and costly venture. The ship, RRS Discovery, was specially designed for scientific research and was built by the Dundee Shipbuilders Company. The crew, under the command of Robert Falcon Scott, was carefully selected for their scientific and seafaring abilities. The expedition was financed by the British government and private donations, with the British National Antarctic Expedition as the official name of the venture.
The Journey
The Discovery left London on 31 July 1901. The journey to the Antarctic was uneventful, and the ship arrived at the Ross Sea in early 1902. The crew established a base at Hut Point, a promontory at the southern end of Ross Island by McMurdo Sound, and wintered there. The following summer, Scott, Ernest Shackleton, and Edward Wilson made a southern march with the aim of reaching the South Pole. They achieved a Farthest South latitude of 82° 17', setting a new record, but failing to reach the Pole.
Scientific Discoveries
The expedition made several important scientific discoveries. It was the first to undertake extensive scientific studies in Antarctica, and its findings were a major contribution to knowledge of the region. The crew collected data on meteorology, magnetism, zoology, and geology, and made the first balloon ascent on the continent to take meteorological readings. They also discovered the Polar Plateau, on which the South Pole is located.
Return and Aftermath
The Discovery returned to Britain in September 1904. The expedition had captured the public imagination, and Scott returned to a hero's welcome. The scientific results of the expedition, including the discovery of the Polar Plateau, were widely recognized. The expedition marked the start of a new era of Antarctic exploration, with Britain at the forefront.
Legacy
The Discovery Expedition marked a turning point in the exploration of the Antarctic. It established Britain as a key player in Antarctic exploration, and its scientific and geographical discoveries formed the basis for future expeditions. The expedition also marked the beginning of Scott's illustrious, though ultimately tragic, career in polar exploration.