Branscomb Peak facts for kids
Branscomb Peak is a snowy mountain peak in Antarctica. It stands tall at about 4,520 meters (14,830 feet) high. This peak is the highest point on a ridge that forms the main west side of the Vinson Massif. The Vinson Massif is a very large mountain group in the Sentinel Range, which is part of the Ellsworth Mountains.
Branscomb Peak offers amazing views! It looks over Jacobsen Valley to the northeast and Goodge Col to the north-northeast. Below it, to the west, is the upper part of Branscomb Glacier, and to the south is Roché Glacier.
About Branscomb Peak
Branscomb Peak is not just a snowy hill; it's a significant part of Antarctica's landscape. It's known for being a challenging climb for mountaineers. The peak is covered in snow and ice all year round, just like most of Antarctica.
Where is Branscomb Peak?
Branscomb Peak is located at 78°30′57″ South and 85°41′44″ West. It's found in a very remote and icy part of the world!
To give you an idea of its location:
- It is about 2.04 kilometers (1.27 miles) northwest of Mount Vinson. Mount Vinson is the highest mountain in Antarctica!
- It is about 3.68 kilometers (2.29 miles) north-northwest of Silverstein Peak.
- It is about 5.92 kilometers (3.68 miles) east-southeast of Knutzen Peak.
- It is about 6.02 kilometers (3.74 miles) south of Mount Shinn.
The area around Branscomb Peak was first mapped by the United States in 1961, and these maps were updated in 1988.
How did Branscomb Peak get its name?
The peak was officially named by the United States Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names (US-ACAN) in 2006. It was named because it is right next to the Branscomb Glacier. This is a common way for features in Antarctica to get their names – often after nearby glaciers, explorers, or scientists.
