Franklin Island (Antarctica) facts for kids
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 Franklin Island
Location in Antarctica
Location in Antarctica
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Antarctica |
| Coordinates | 76°5′S 168°19′E / 76.083°S 168.317°E |
| Length | 13 km (8.1 mi) |
| Administration | |
| Administered under the Antarctic Treaty System | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | Uninhabited |
Franklin Island is an island 13 kilometres (7 nmi) long, lying in the Ross Sea about 130 kilometres (80 mi) east of Cape Hickey, Victoria Land. It was discovered on January 27, 1841 by James Clark Ross, and named for Sir John Franklin, the noted Arctic explorer, who as Governor of Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) had royally entertained the expedition on its way south at Hobart in 1840. Though located just 80 kilometres (50 mi) north of Beaufort Island and appearing at first glance to be part of the same group, it is not usually considered to be part of the Ross Archipelago. The island is the eroded remnant of a shield volcano that formed 4.8 +/- 2.0 million years ago, the vent of which is now submerged off the east coast. The island hosts a breeding colony of Adélie penguins.
Bernacchi Head (76°8′S 168°20′E / 76.133°S 168.333°E) forms the southern extremity of Franklin Island. The Franklin Shoals (76°0′S 169°0′E / 76.000°S 169.000°E) lie close by.
