The Wilkes expedition: framework for American expansionism: the United States Exploring Expedition, 1838-1842

Author:

Sprague, Roberta A.

Title:

The Wilkes expedition: framework for American expansionism: the United States Exploring Expedition, 1838-1842

Year:

1988

Volume:

M.A.

Pages:

175 p.

Subject:

Scientific expeditions Mauna Kea Scientific expeditions Mauna Loa

Summary:

Lieutenant Charles Wilkes and his team from the United States Exploring Expedition made the first official scientific measurement of the heights of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. A determined group of officers, men, and scientists from the squadron sustained an observation site on the inhospitable summit of Mauna Loa for nearly three weeks during December 1840 and January 1841. They calculated the latitude, longitude, and height of both peaks as accurately as the technology of the time allowed.

Date:

December 1988

Collection:

Monographs