This map shows the zigzag mapping route the ship took covering a long rectangular swath of sea; the pattern crosses over the equator line five times.
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2026 Pacific Islands Mapping Expedition’s Mapping Path

The mapping path for the 2026 Pacific Islands Mapping expedition shows Okeanos Explorer crossing the equator a total of five times during its voyage.

From: Embarking a Polliwog, Disembarking a Shellback: Carrying On One of the Oldest Maritime Traditions

Credit

NOAA Ocean Exploration, 2026 Pacific Islands Mapping