The East Antarctic Plateau holds the title for the coldest place on Earth. On July 23, 1983, temperatures at Vostok Station in Russia dropped to an astonishing -89.2°C (-128.6°F). But researchers have recently discovered even colder readings in the same region.
A study by the National Snow and Ice Data Center analyzed satellite data from 2004 to 2016. It showed that parts of East Antarctica hit temperatures around -98°C (-144.4°F) during the polar night when the sun disappears for months. These extreme temperatures are found at altitudes between 3,800 and 4,050 meters (12,467 to 13,287 feet) above sea level. The chilling conditions are more common when a strong Antarctic polar vortex is in place, effectively trapping cold air over the continent.
Interestingly, while these temperatures occur naturally, scientists have created even colder environments in laboratories. Absolute zero, or 0 Kelvin (-273.15°C or -459.67°F), is the theoretical lowest temperature possible. Although reaching this limit isn’t feasible, researchers continue to push boundaries.
In 2021, German scientists achieved a record-low temperature by cooling a gas to 38 picokelvins, just above absolute zero. They used a technique involving a drop tower, where rubidium atoms were placed in a magnetic trap. Upon release, these atoms expanded and cooled significantly during their fall—a two-second descent closely monitored by instruments.
At these extreme temperatures, atomic movement slows to nearly a standstill, entering the fascinating world of quantum physics. This unique state, called a Bose-Einstein condensate, highlights how strange and captivating our understanding of temperature can be.
Temperature extremes not only show the power of nature but also our pursuit of scientific knowledge. Research like this connects us and reshapes our view of what’s possible in physics. For more on the effects of climate change on polar regions, check out resources from the National Snow and Ice Data Center.
