James Clark Ross and the Discovery of the Magnetic North Pole | Research & Encyclopedia Articles

James Clark Ross and the Discovery of the Magnetic North Pole

Overview

James Clark Ross (1800-1862), commander in the British Navy and England's most experienced and successful Arctic explorer, discovered the Magnetic North Pole in June 1831. During the eighteenth century, explorers wanted to find a Northwest Passage connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It was one of the most important exploration goals of the time. While Ross did not discover the Northwest Passage, his discovery was judged a significant achievement both in science and in Arctic exploration. Finding the Magnetic North Pole advanced knowledge of the Earth's magnetic field. Knowing its location allowed mariners, sailing in any part of the world, to better fix their position.

While the scientific discovery of the Magnetic North Pole had little social or political impact, Ross raised the obsession with Arctic exploration to a fevered pitch. For the rest of the century, explorers continued to seek, but with greater passion, the Northwest Passage and the geographic North Pole. Their quest also became a test and affirmation of human ingenuity, stamina, and desire.

Background

When nineteenth-century explorers sought a Northwest Passage that would connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, they expected to find it by sailing through the icy waters west of Greenland and tacking around frozen landmasses in the far north of Canada.

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