There is no permanent human base on South Georgia Island, a British territory in the South Atlantic Ocean that lies 1,300 kilometers east of the Falkland Islands. The crew of the International Space Station captured this image of the rugged and isolated landscape of the northern shore of the island. The first recorded explorer to land on the island was Captain James Cook aboard the HMS Resolution in 1775. He mapped part of the coastline, but was discouraged by the thick ice cover, lack of vegetation, and steep mountains. Mt. Paget, the highest peak, rises to 2,934 meters (9,625 feet) above sea level, and the island supports 161 glaciers. Cook named the southernmost point of the island “Cape Disappointment” when he realized he had not reached Antarctica.
Published Oct 17, 2005
This astronaut photo shows the sharp peaks and deep ravines of Saint Helena Island, in the remote South Atlantic Ocean.
Published Jun 15, 2009
The tiny islet is rich with history, but is now known for two things: seabirds and curling stones.
Published Mar 17, 2018
Acquired July 1, 2010, this natural-color image shows south-central Savai’i Island in Somoa. Vegetation coats the mountainous landscape.
Published Jul 25, 2010
This natural-color image shows Henrietta Island, with a smooth, dome-capped surface and a rugged coastline, illuminated by low-angled sunlight.
Published May 3, 2009
Semisopochnoi is the “Island of the Seven Mountains, ” or more precisely in Russian: “having seven hills.” This uninhabited volcanic island is also an important nesting area for maritime birds of the North Pacific.
Published Dec 29, 2010
Nishinoshima has grown to twelve times its original size.
Published Nov 29, 2015
More than a year after emerging from the Pacific Ocean, a new Japanese island continues to grow.
Published Dec 2, 2014
