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Vinson Massif facts for kids

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Vinson Massif
Vinson-Massif.jpg
NASA image of Vinson Massif from space
Highest point
Elevation 4,892 m (16,050 ft)
Prominence 4,892 m (16,050 ft) 
Ranked 8th
Listing Seven summits
Ultra
Geography
Location Antarctica
State/Province AQ
Parent range Sentinel Range
Climbing
First ascent 1966 by Nicholas Clinch and party
Easiest route snow/ice climb
Vinson-Map
Map of most of the Sentinel Range, Ellsworth Mountains with Vinson Massif.

Vinson Massif is the highest mountain of Antarctica. It is in the Sentinel Range of the Ellsworth Mountains. The massif is about 1,200 kilometres (750 mi) from the South Pole. It is about 21 km (13 mi) long and 13 km (8.1 mi) wide. At 4,892 metres (16,050 ft) the highest point is Mount Vinson. It was named in 2006 after Carl Vinson, long-time member of the U.S. Congress from the state of Georgia.

Vinson Massif was first seen in 1958 and first climbed in 1966.

Though the yearly snowfall on Vinson is low, high winds can cause base camp accumulations up to 46 centimetres (18 in) in a year. During the summer season, November through January, there are 24 hours of sunlight. The average temperature during these months is −30 °C (−20 °F).


Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Macizo Vinson para niños

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