The Possession Islands Ross Sea Antarctica: A history of exploration and scientific endeavour at a Ross Sea archipelago since the first landing in 1841

Abstract Possession Island was one of the first landing places in the Antarctic region, now more than 180 years ago, yet there is little scientific knowledge of this island archipelago in the western Ross Sea. Although the islands are often passed and have been landed on for a few brief hours a number of times, the area is a challenging environment to visit or work in, as weather, sea and ice conditions can be unpredictable. This paper documents the discovery of the islands, and their history of exploration, the broad range of fleetingly conducted science endeavours, weather and climate and since the 1990s, eco-tourism visits. The islands deserve to be better known, and their rich history provides a foundation for future research and eco-tourism.