Member-only story

The Epic Story of Georg Steller: The Russian Exploration of Alaska

Billy Peterson

·6.5k Followers· Follow

Published in Where The Sea Breaks Its Back: The Epic Story Georg Steller The Russian Exploration Of AK

6 min read · 2 weeks before

217 View Claps

46 Respond

Save

Listen

In the annals of scientific exploration, the name Georg Steller stands out as a beacon of curiosity, determination, and discovery. As a naturalist on the legendary Bering Expedition to Alaska in the 18th century, Steller embarked on an extraordinary journey that would forever change our understanding of the natural world in the Northern Pacific. This article delves into the captivating story of Georg Steller, his remarkable discoveries, and his significant contributions to science and exploration.

Where the Sea Breaks Its Back: The Epic Story - Georg Steller & the Russian Exploration of AK

by Rose Marie Beebe

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1892 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	226 pages

Portrait Of Georg Steller, A German Naturalist Who Explored Alaska In The 18th Century. Where The Sea Breaks Its Back: The Epic Story Georg Steller The Russian Exploration Of AK

Early Life and Education

Georg Wilhelm Steller was born on March 10, 1709, in Bad Windsheim, Germany. From a young age, he exhibited an insatiable curiosity for the natural world, spending countless hours observing and studying plants, animals, and insects. His passion for science led him to pursue a degree in medicine at the University of Wittenberg, where he excelled in his studies and graduated with honors.

Joining the Bering Expedition

In 1741, Steller eagerly joined the Second Kamchatka Expedition, also known as the Bering Expedition, under the command of Vitus Bering. This ambitious expedition aimed to explore the uncharted regions of the North Pacific and search for a possible land bridge between Asia and North America. As the expedition's official naturalist, Steller was entrusted with the responsibility of documenting and studying the new species and landscapes encountered along the way.

Arrival in Alaska and Explorations

In June 1741, the expedition reached the shores of Alaska. Over the following months, Steller meticulously collected and cataloged an astounding number of plant and animal species, many of which had never been seen or described by Europeans before. He meticulously documented their physical characteristics, behaviors, and habitats, providing invaluable insights into the rich biodiversity of this remote region.

Steller Sea Lion, A Large Marine Mammal Discovered And Named By Georg Steller During The Bering Expedition. Where The Sea Breaks Its Back: The Epic Story Georg Steller The Russian Exploration Of AK

A Steller sea lion, one of the many new species discovered and named by Georg Steller during the Bering Expedition.

Discovery of the Steller Sea Lion

One of Steller's most famous discoveries was the Steller sea lion, a massive marine mammal that inhabits the North Pacific. Steller was the first to scientifically describe and name this species, which he encountered in large numbers near the Commander Islands. His detailed observations and sketches captured the unique characteristics of this magnificent animal, including its impressive size, distinctive coloration, and playful behavior.

Contributions to Ornithology

Steller's expertise extended beyond marine life. He also made significant contributions to ornithology, the scientific study of birds. During his time in Alaska, he collected and described over 100 species of birds, many of which were new to science. His detailed descriptions and illustrations of these birds, including the whiskered auklet, black-legged kittiwake, and tufted puffin, provided valuable insights into their taxonomy, distribution, and behavior.

Steller's Eider, A Sea Duck Discovered And Named By Georg Steller During The Bering Expedition. Where The Sea Breaks Its Back: The Epic Story Georg Steller The Russian Exploration Of AK

Legacy and Impact

Georg Steller's contributions to science and exploration were profound and long-lasting. His meticulously documented observations and discoveries laid the foundation for further scientific research in the North Pacific. His work on marine mammals, birds, and plants provided invaluable insights into the biodiversity and ecology of this vast region.

Steller's legacy extends beyond the scientific community. His detailed descriptions and illustrations of the Alaskan landscape and its inhabitants captured the imagination of readers worldwide, inspiring future generations of explorers, naturalists, and artists. His writings and observations played a significant role in shaping our understanding of the natural history of Alaska and the Arctic.

Georg Steller's exploration of Alaska during the Bering Expedition stands as a testament to his unwavering curiosity, scientific rigor, and unwavering determination. His discoveries and observations transformed our knowledge of the natural world and inspired generations of scientists and explorers to follow in his footsteps. The epic story of Georg Steller continues to captivate and inspire us, reminding us of the boundless potential for human exploration and the enduring beauty and wonder of the natural world.

References

Steller, G. W. (1999). Journal of a Voyage with Bering, 1741-1742. Translated by Marvin W. Falk. Stanford University Press.
Golder, F. A. (1925). Bering's Voyages: An Account of the Efforts of the Russians to Determine the Relation of Asia and America. American Geographical Society.
Fisher, R. A. (1947). Steller's Sea Cow. Journal of Mammalogy, 28(2),221-232.

Where the Sea Breaks Its Back: The Epic Story - Georg Steller & the Russian Exploration of AK

by Rose Marie Beebe

4.5 out of 5