Backer Islands facts for kids
 Backer Islands
Location in Antarctica
Location in Antarctica
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Antarctica |
| Coordinates | 74°25′S 102°40′W / 74.417°S 102.667°W |
| Administration | |
| Administered under the Antarctic Treaty System | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | Uninhabited |
The Backer Islands are a group of small islands located in the cold, icy region of Antarctica. You can find them on the south side of a place called Cranton Bay. These islands stretch out for about 22 kilometres (12 nmi) (that's about 22 kilometers) in a northwest direction. They are found near the edge of a large ice shelf, which is like a giant floating sheet of ice that forms the southern border of the bay.
Discovering the Backer Islands
These islands were first mapped by the United States Geological Survey. This group is made up of scientists and explorers who create detailed maps of the Earth. They used information from special surveys and also from air photos taken by the United States Navy (the U.S. Navy). These mapping efforts took place between 1960 and 1966.
How the Islands Got Their Name
The Backer Islands were given their name by the Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names. This committee is responsible for naming places in Antarctica. They decided to name the islands after Walter K. Backer. He was a skilled construction mechanic with the U.S. Navy. Walter Backer worked at Byrd Station in Antarctica in 1967, helping to build and maintain important facilities in this challenging environment. Naming the islands after him was a way to honor his contributions to exploration and support in Antarctica.
