Fray Tomás de Berlanga Discovers Galápagos Islands
March 10th, 1535
March 10th, 1535
How Long Ago?
490 years, 5 days ago
Location
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Category
Exploration & Discovery
People
- Fray Tomás de Berlanga
Links & References
Tags
Fray Tomás de Berlanga Discovers Galápagos Islands
On a journey to Peru, Fray Tomás de Berlanga inadvertently stumbled upon the Galápagos Islands. As the fourth Bishop of Panama, he was sailing from Panama when winds took his ship off course. The uninhabited islands made a significant impression with their unique wildlife and volcanic landscapes. Berlanga noted the remarkable variety of wildlife and sought to document his findings, marking an important moment in the exploration of the Pacific.
Berlanga was on a mission to reach Peru.
Unique wildlife of Galápagos impressed Berlanga.
His discovery went largely unrecognized at the time.
Berlanga's writing influenced later scientific study.
What Happened?
Fray Tomás de Berlanga, the fourth Bishop of Panama, was engaged in a mission to visit Peru when his ship encountered unexpected winds. These winds diverted him towards an archipelago that had previously gone unnoticed by Europeans. Upon landing on the Galápagos Islands, Berlanga observed a remarkable array of wildlife that included giant tortoises and a plethora of unique bird species. He took detailed notes on the flora and fauna and proclaimed the islands to be part of the Kingdom of Spain. This discovery opened new vistas for navigation and exploration in the Pacific region as Berlanga's accounts began to circulate among European explorers. His observations would not be fully appreciated until years later when Charles Darwin would visit the islands, finding inspiration in Berlanga's initial descriptions.
Why Does it Matter?
The discovery of the Galápagos Islands is a pivotal moment in the annals of exploration, representing the beginning of European awareness of this unique ecosystem. The subsequent analyses and studies enabled scientists and explorers to understand the significance of the islands in relation to biodiversity and evolution. The islands later became a focal point of Charles Darwin's research, significantly influencing the development of the theory of evolution by natural selection. Berlanga's serendipitous encounter brought attention to the need for conservation and study of these crucial ecological treasures.
Discover More Historic Events from March 10th
Portuguese Legislative Elections Shift Power
In Portugal, elections were held for all 230 seats in the Assembly of the Republic. The ruling Partido Socialista (PS), led by António Costa, lost its absolute majority to the opposition Partido Social Democrata (PSD), which won more seats than anticipated. The PS secured 77 seats compared to the PSD's 79, representing a significant shift in the Portuguese political landscape and prompting discussions about possible coalition government formations.
Continue ReadingSilicon Valley Bank Collapses and FDIC Takes Control
Silicon Valley Bank experienced a significant run on deposits, leading to its collapse, marking the second-largest bank failure in U.S. history. Investors lost confidence in the bank, prompting a rapid withdrawal of funds. In response to the crisis, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) stepped in to take control of the bank's operations, managing the transition for clients and safeguarding deposits. The event raised concerns within the banking sector about liquidity and trust.
Continue ReadingKatalin Novák Elected as Hungary's First Female President
Katalin Novák, the former minister for Family Affairs, was elected president of Hungary by the National Assembly. In a decisive vote of 137 to 51, she made history as the first female president of the country, marking a significant moment in Hungarian politics. The election was seen as an endorsement of the ruling party and reflected the current political climate in Hungary.
Continue ReadingBoeing 737 MAX Crashes in Ethiopia
Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, a Boeing 737 MAX, crashed shortly after takeoff from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, leading to the deaths of all 157 passengers and crew onboard. This incident followed a similar crash of Lion Air Flight 610, raising significant concerns over the safety of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, ultimately resulting in the grounding of all 387 units of this model worldwide.
Continue ReadingPark Geun-hye's Presidential Impeachment Upheld
The Constitutional Court of South Korea upheld the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye after a political scandal that shook the nation. Accusations against her included collusion with a confidante to manipulate power, leading to mass protests. The court ruled unanimously, ending Park's presidency that began in 2013. The decision followed months of political turmoil and public outcry, marking a critical moment in South Korean democracy and governance.
Continue ReadingMars Reconnaissance Orbiter Reaches Martian Orbit
The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) successfully entered orbit around Mars, providing invaluable data about the planet's atmosphere, surface, and potential for past life. Launched on August 12, 2005, from Cape Canaveral, Florida, the MRO's primary goal was to analyze Martian geology and climate in detail. With its sophisticated instruments, the orbiter began a comprehensive study of Martian features, including polar ice caps, volcanoes, and landing sites for future missions. By relaying data back to Earth, it became a crucial part of NASA's ongoing exploration efforts.
Continue Reading