Stray Islands facts for kids
Location in Antarctica
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Geography | |
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Location | Antarctica |
Coordinates | 65°10′S 64°14′W / 65.167°S 64.233°W |
Archipelago | Wilhelm Archipelago |
Administration | |
Administered under the Antarctic Treaty System | |
Demographics | |
Population | Uninhabited |
The Stray Islands are a group of small islands located near the icy continent of Antarctica. They are found about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) west of Petermann Island. These islands are part of a larger collection called the Wilhelm Archipelago.
The islands are called "Stray" because they are spread out and not very close together. They are uninhabited, meaning no people live on them.
Contents
Exploring the Stray Islands
The Stray Islands are a scattered but clear group of land pieces. They are found off the Antarctic Peninsula, which is a long arm of land reaching out from Antarctica.
How the Islands Were Mapped
Scientists and explorers have worked to map the remote areas of Antarctica. The Stray Islands were mapped using different methods.
Early Surveys
The Falkland Islands Dependencies Survey (FIDS) helped map these islands. They used photos taken by a company called Hunting Aerosurveys Ltd. These pictures were taken between 1956 and 1957.
Helicopter Help
In March 1958, a helicopter from a ship called HMS Protector also helped. The helicopter took more photos and helped with the mapping process. This allowed for a more complete picture of the islands.
Why They Are Called "Stray"
The name "Stray Islands" was given by the United Kingdom Antarctic Place-Names Committee (UK-APC). They chose this name because the islands are spread out, or "scattered," across the area.