Magellans

Magellans is the plural form of the surname Magellan. The name is most closely associated with Ferdinand Magellan (c. 1480–1521), a Portuguese navigator who organized the Spanish expedition of 1519–1522 that led to the first circumnavigation of the Earth. Although Magellan died in the Philippines, his expedition continued under Juan Sebastián Elcano and completed the voyage.

The surname Magellan has variants in different languages, including Magalhães in Portuguese and Magallanes in Spanish. In English usage, Magellan and its plural Magellans refer to people bearing the name. Notable historical bearers include Ferdinand Magellan; other individuals with the surname have been explorers, scientists, or public figures in various countries.

Magellan’s legacy is preserved in several geographic and astronomical names. The Straits of Magellan mark the southern tip of South America and were named after the explorer. The Magellanic Clouds, two irregular dwarf galaxies visible from the southern hemisphere, were named in his honor. In astronomy, facilities such as the Magellan telescopes at Las Campanas Observatory bear the name as a tribute to the explorer and his era.

In summary, Magellans refers primarily to people who bear the surname, and secondarily to places and celestial features named after Ferdinand Magellan, reflecting his enduring influence on navigation, exploration, and scientific naming.