James Cook (1728–1779) – United Kingdom

Captain James Cook (1728–1779) was a British explorer, navigator, and cartographer who made three groundbreaking voyages across the Pacific Ocean. Renowned for his precision in mapping, Cook charted New Zealand, Australia's eastern coast, and numerous Pacific islands, significantly expanding European knowledge of the region. His expeditions contributed to scientific discovery, including astronomical observations and detailed records of flora and fauna. Cook's encounters with indigenous peoples, though complex, remain historically significant. His leadership, navigational expertise, and contributions to geography cemented his legacy as one of history's greatest explorers. Cook died in Hawaii during a conflict with islanders in 1779.