Robert Island facts for kids
Location of Robert Island in the South Shetland Islands
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 Robert Island
Location in South Shetland Islands
Robert Island
Location in Antarctica
Location in the South Shetland Islands##Location in Antarctica
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Antarctica |
| Coordinates | 62°24′S 59°30′W / 62.400°S 59.500°W |
| Archipelago | South Shetland Islands |
| Area | 132 km2 (51 sq mi) |
| Length | 11 mi (18 km) |
| Width | 8 mi (13 km) |
| Administration | |
| Administered under the Antarctic Treaty System | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
 Edwards Point Lighthouse
Location in Antarctica
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| Location | Edwards Point Robert Island South Shetland Islands Antarctica |
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| Coordinates | 62°27′39″S 59°30′48″W / 62.460889°S 59.513361°W |
| Year first constructed | n/a |
| Foundation | concrete base |
| Construction | fiber glass tower |
| Tower shape | cylindrical tower |
| Markings / pattern | yellow tower with orange horizontal bands |
| Height | 7 metres (23 ft) |
| Focal height | 25 metres (82 ft) |
| Range | 7 nautical miles (13 km; 8.1 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl W 10s. |
| Admiralty number | G1386 |
| NGA number | 2732 |
Robert Island is a small island located in the very cold region of Antarctica. It is also known by other names like Mitchells Island or Polotsk Island. This island is part of a group called the South Shetland Islands.
Robert Island is about 11 miles (18 kilometers) long and 8 miles (13 kilometers) wide. It covers an area of about 132 square kilometers (51 square miles). You can find it between Nelson Island and Greenwich Island.
Naming Robert Island
The name "Robert Island" has been used since around 1821. It is now a name recognized all over the world.
A sea captain named Richard Fildes might have named the island after his ship, the Robert. Captain Fildes was hunting for seals in the South Shetland Islands during 1821 and 1822. Sadly, his ship was destroyed by ice in March 1822. A nearby area, Fildes Strait, is also named after him.
Edwards Point Lighthouse
On Robert Island, there is a lighthouse called Edwards Point Lighthouse. It helps ships navigate safely in the icy waters around the island. The lighthouse is built on a concrete base and has a cylindrical tower made of fiberglass.
The Edwards Point Lighthouse is yellow with orange bands. It is about 7 meters (23 feet) tall. The light from the lighthouse can be seen up to 7 nautical miles away. It uses solar power to shine its light.
Maps of the Area
Scientists and explorers use special maps to understand Robert Island and the surrounding areas. These maps show details like the shape of the land and where different places are located.
- L.L. Ivanov et al. Antarctica: Livingston Island and Greenwich Island, South Shetland Islands. This is a detailed topographic map from 2005.
- L.L. Ivanov. Antarctica: Livingston Island and Greenwich, Robert, Snow and Smith Islands. This map from 2009 shows a wider area around Robert Island.
See also
In Spanish: Isla Robert para niños
