James Cook was a famous English explorer. He studied mathematics and astronomy and became an expert mapmaker. In 1768, he sailed on a ship called the Endeavour to Tahiti in the Pacific Ocean. He took scientists and artists with him to collect plants and animals. After visiting Tahiti, Cook opened a letter instructing him to search for another continent, which he found on the east coast of Australia. Cook explored many other lands and islands, but was ultimately killed in Hawaii during his third voyage.