James Ross was a British naval officer and explorer known for his expeditions in the Arctic during the early 19th century. He is best remembered for his voyages to the Northwest Passage and his exploration of the Ross Sea in Antarctica. His work contributed to the mapping of these regions and increased knowledge about polar geography. In 1841, Ross led an expedition that discovered the Ross Ice Shelf and the Victoria Land coast. His findings were significant for future explorations and scientific research in polar regions. Ross's contributions to exploration have made him a notable figure in the history of Arctic and Antarctic exploration.