Editing Antarctica (section)

=== Discovery of Antarctica ===
The discovery of Antarctica is one of the most fascinating chapters in the history of exploration. For centuries, people believed there must be a vast southern landmass balancing the continents of the north. This mysterious, unseen region was often called ''Terra Australis Incognita'', meaning unknown southern land. However, it remained hidden beneath ice and snow for thousands of years, untouched by humans. The first confirmed sighting of the Antarctic continent took place in '''1820''', when several explorers from different nations reached the icy edge of the southern polar region almost simultaneously. Among the most notable were '''Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen''' and '''Mikhail Lazarev''', who were part of a Russian naval expedition, and '''Edward Bransfield''', a British naval officer. Each of them recorded sightings of land or ice-covered mountains that marked the northern edge of the Antarctic continent.

Although these explorers were the first to see the continent, no one actually set foot on it until later. In '''1821''', an American sealer named '''John Davis''' is believed to have been the first person to land on the Antarctic mainland, though this is still debated among historians. Over the next few decades, numerous expeditions from Britain, France, Norway, and other countries followed, gradually mapping the coastline and studying the harsh environment. One of the most famous later explorations was led by '''Ernest Shackleton''' and '''Robert Falcon Scott''' in the early 20th century, during what is known as the “Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration.” These missions greatly expanded our knowledge of the continent’s geography and extreme conditions. The discovery of Antarctica not only completed the map of the world but also opened the door to new scientific research and adventure. Today, the continent stands as a symbol of human curiosity, courage, and the desire to explore the most remote and challenging places on Earth.