Power
If you make a substantial discovery, the power can be pretty great. Imagine being the first person in our history to learn something about our planet or the life that inhabits it. All of our land masses and bodies of water have been discovered by now, but that doesn't mean that you can't still be a pioneer in the world of exploration.
Plus, if you can snag one of those coveted Nobel Prizes, you'll be the toast of the town. And you'll get $1.4 million, so you can also buy the town.