The Firts Magellan Probe.

The Magellan probe, launched from the space shuttle Atlantis, operated between 1989 and 1994, orbiting the planet Venus. The probe was able to collect 980 images of the planet before the mission concluded.

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The Magellan probe did not get its name by accident. It was named for one of the greatest explorers in history Ferdinand Magellan. Born in Portugal in the late fifteenth century, Magellan became convinced that a ship could sail around the world. In those days some people still did not believe the Earth was round, and they were convinced that any ship that sailed far enough would sail right off the edge of the Earth.

Before his famous trip to circle the world, Magellan studied astronomy and navigation for several years.

Then in 1519, he commanded a fleet that set sail from Spain. The fleet traveled across the stormy Atlantic and reached the coast of Brazil. It then sailed down the coast of South America and wintered near what is now called Argentina. A mutiny broke out among Magellan's crew and several crew members were executed.

In 1520, fleet set sail and soon discovered a passage beneath South America that led them to a vast ocean, which Magellan called the Pacific Ocean, meaning peaceful ocean. To this day, the passage is called the Strait of Magellan.

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Sailing across the pacific was a great hardship for Magellan and his crew. Many suffered from a disease called scurvy caused by a lack of Vitamin C. Finally, the fleet reached the island of Guam. It was on Guam that Magellan suffered a fatal wound and died in 1521. Magellan's crew continued the trip and eventually circled the planet by ship. And although Magellan did not live to see his dream completed, he is the first European to provide evidence that the Earth is a sphere.

Many historians consider Magellan's trip the greatest navigational feat in history. So it is not surprising that a twentieth century spacecraft would be named after this courageous and daring explorer.

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Previous articles:

• Multiple-Star Systems - Constellations
  Life in the solar system
• Artificial Satellites [The space Age] [Benefits for the earth]
• A Trip Through The Solar System. [Discovering the planets] # 3 [Final]
• A Trip Through The Solar System. [Discovering the planets] # 2
• A Trip Through The Solar System. [Discovering the planets] # 1
• The Evolution of the Solar System

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Source of information:

http://www.eltiempo.com/archivo/documento/MAM-233432
https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fernando_de_Magallanes
http://www.proyectosalonhogar.com/descubridores_exploradores/Magallanes.htm