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The Belgica was a ship that became famous for its role in Antarctic exploration. Led by Belgian naval officer Adrien de Gerlache, the Belgica was the first vessel to winter in Antarctic waters. From March 1898 to March 1899, the ship became trapped in pack ice in the Bellingshausen Sea, drifting for 13 months. This expedition, which included Roald Amundsen as mate, focused on scientific observation and made discoveries north of Graham Land. The Belgica's journey was part of the "heroic era" of Antarctic exploration, a period marked by significant advancements in both geographic and scientific knowledge of the continent.12

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