James Clark Ross discovers Snow Hill Island in the Antarctic

Background. The Ross expedition was a scientific voyage from 1839 to 1843 led by James Clark Ross, utilizing HMS Erebus and HMS Terror. Ross, a naval officer with prior magnetic survey experience, commanded the expedition for magnetic research and geographical discovery. The mission confirmed the existence of Antarctica and charted its coastline, resulting in significant zoological and botanical publications.

Discovery of Snow Hill Island. On 6 January 1843, Ross discovered Snow Hill Island off the east coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Uncertain of its connection to the mainland, he named it Snow Hill because its snow cover contrasted with the bare ground of nearby Seymour Island. The island is approximately 33 km long and 12 km wide, separated from James Ross Island by Admiralty Sound.

Expedition Context. The expedition returned to survey the Antarctic Peninsula during the summer of 1842–1843 after overwintering in the Falkland Islands. This phase involved studies in magnetism and the collection of oceanographic, botanical, and ornithological specimens. The expedition concluded in England on 4 September 1843, having confirmed the southern continent's existence and charted a large part of its coastline.