Aranuka
 aerial image of Aranuka Atoll |
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Pacific Ocean |
| Coordinates | 0°10′N 173°35′E / 0.167°N 173.583°ECoordinates: 0°10′N 173°35′E / 0.167°N 173.583°E |
| Archipelago | Gilbert Islands |
| Area | 15.5 km2 (5.98 sq mi) |
| Country | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 852 |
Aranuka (also previously known as Henderville, Nonouki or Starbuck) is an atoll of Kiribati, located just north of the equator, in the Gilbert Islands. It has an area of 15.5 square kilometers and a population of 852 Gilbertese.
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[edit] History
Thomas Gilbert and John Marshall, sailing in the East India Company vessels Charlotte and Scarborough, were the first Europeans to describe visiting Aranuka, in June 1788.[1]
At some point between 1860 and the late 1880s, Aranuka was conquered by Tenkoruti, king of Abemama. It was then ruled by Tenkoruti's nephew, Tembinok'.
[edit] Geography
The atoll has a triangular shape, predominantly formed by two large islands, unusually large for an atoll of this size. The largest being Buariki which creates the "base" of the triangle, and the smallest being Takaeang which forms the top corner. These islands are connected by long sandbanks on the northern side and an underwater reef crest on the southern side which also has a wide pass to the lagoon in the centre.[2]
[edit] Air transportation
Aranuka Airport is situated near the northern tip of Buariki.
[edit] References
- ^ Samuel Eliot Morison (1944-05-22). "The Gilberts & Marshalls: A distinguished historian recalls the past of two recently captured pacific groups". Life magazine. http://books.google.ca/books?id=bk8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA91&dq=%22Thomas+Gilbert%22+captain+pacific&num=100&client=firefox-a#v=onepage&q=%22Thomas%20Gilbert%22%20captain%20pacific&f=false. Retrieved 2009-10-14.
- ^ Arunuka, Oceandots.com 2007 (accessed 19 January 2007)
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[edit] External links
- Exhibit: The Alfred Agate Collection: The United States Exploring Expedition, 1838-1842 from the Navy Art Gallery
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