Ferdinand Magellan is a key explorer known for significant discoveries in the Pacific Ocean during the Age of Exploration. His expedition, which took place from 1519 to 1522, is credited with the first successful circumnavigation of the globe. Magellan's exploration revealed vital navigational routes and led to greater awareness of maritime geography, including the vastness of the Pacific. His journeys not only highlighted the potential for overseas trade but also facilitated cultural exchanges between the East and West. Magellan's legacy continues to be recognized in studies of early exploration and its impacts on global relations.