Jules Dumont d'Urville was a French explorer and naval officer born on May 23, 1790. He is best known for his voyages to the South Pacific and his contributions to the exploration of Antarctica. D'Urville's expeditions helped to map uncharted territories and gather valuable scientific data about the region. In 1837, he led a significant expedition aboard the ship Astrolabe, which resulted in the discovery of several islands, including Adélie Land in Antarctica. D'Urville's work laid the groundwork for future explorations and increased European knowledge of the southern hemisphere. He passed away on June 8, 1842.