Q:
Why Did James Cook Explore?
A:
Quick Answer
As an explorer and astronomer, James Cook traveled all over the world for many reasons. The primary purpose of his first expedition, which was to Tahiti, was to observe the planet Venus as a small black dot while it passed between the Earth and the sun.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
Cook wanted to observe Venus in order to help him calculate the distance between the sun and the Earth. On his first expedition, Cook was also searching for a large continent in the South Pacific Ocean. While such a continent does not exist, on that voyage Cook mapped the two major islands that make up New Zealand, which is why the strait between the two islands is called the Cook Strait.
Learn more about Exploration & ImperialismRelated Questions
-
Q:
What Are Some Interesting Facts About James Cook?
A: Captain James Cook was a British explorer who visited six of the seven continents in three voyages occurring between 1768 and 1779. He was the first Europe... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How Did James Cook Die?
A: James Cook died on Feb. 14, 1779, after he was clubbed on the head and speared by a native Hawaiian. His death occurred in a battle on the beach at Kealake... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Is James Cook Famous For?
A: According to Biography.com, James Cook was a British explorer and cartographer most famous for leading the ship Endeavor to discover New Zealand and the Gr... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Did James Cook Discover?
A: James Cook discovered the South Sandwich Islands, explored the east coast of Australia and made the first firmly documented visit to Hawaii. He was one of ... Full Answer >Filed Under:
