Asses Ears (South Shetland Islands) facts for kids
Location of Robert Island in the South Shetland Islands.
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 Asses Ears
Location in Antarctic Peninsula
Asses Ears
Location in Antarctica
Location of Asses Ears (South Shetland Islands)
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Antarctica |
| Coordinates | 62°19′S 59°45′W / 62.317°S 59.750°W |
| Total islands | 3 |
| Administration | |
| Administered under the Antarctic Treaty System | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | Uninhabited |
The Asses Ears are a group of three small islands located near Robert Island in Antarctica. They are part of the Potmess Rocks in the English Strait. These islands are found in the South Shetland Islands, a chain of islands off the coast of Antarctica.
Sailors who hunted seals likely knew about these islands a long time ago. However, they were officially mapped and given their descriptive name by a team from the British research ship Discovery II. This happened during their expeditions in 1934 and 1935.
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Exploring the Asses Ears
The Asses Ears are tiny, rocky pieces of land. They stick out of the ocean off the northwest coast of Robert Island. These islands are part of a larger area known as the Potmess Rocks. This area is located within the English Strait.
Where are the Asses Ears Located?
The islands are in the South Shetland Islands. This is an archipelago, or group of islands, near the Antarctic Peninsula. The exact coordinates are 62 degrees 19 minutes South and 59 degrees 45 minutes West. This places them in a very cold and remote part of the world.
Who Discovered and Named Them?
Early seal hunters probably saw these islands often. They sailed these waters looking for seals. However, it was the scientific team on the Discovery II that properly charted them. They gave the islands their unique name because of how they looked. The name "Asses Ears" is a descriptive one, meaning it describes their shape. The Discovery II was a famous research ship. It explored the Southern Ocean and Antarctica.
Why are These Islands Important?
Even though they are small and uninhabited, the Asses Ears are part of the Antarctic Treaty System. This treaty is an international agreement. It sets aside Antarctica as a scientific preserve. It also bans military activity on the continent. This means the islands are protected for scientific research. They are also important for understanding the geography of the South Shetland Islands.
