It’s been getting a little chilly outside, but while we’ve been seeing flurries of snow and braving the brisk wintry weather, the recent cold snap has nothing on some of the coldest places on the planet.
As the keen scientists we are, we love to explore the science of temperature and our Fire v. Ice show does just that. Taking place in our Science Theatre, we’ll be exploring the dangers of fire and the chilling truth about liquid nitrogen in an exciting and immersive family show.
As we uncover the scientific extremes of hot and cold, we’re going to look at places which endure some of the most dramatic temperatures in the world. Here are the top 3 hottest and coldest places on Earth. Would you dare book a flight to one of these radical destinations?
Burning up…
3. Dallol, Ethiopia
Coming in third on our hot list is this geographical wonderland of acidic hot springs, sub-aerial volcanoes and salt formations. Reaching temperatures of 46°C in the summer, the visually stunning bright colours come with scorching thermometer readings.
2. Aziziyah, Libya
The former capital of the Jafara district used to hold the title of hottest place on Earth. However, it was stripped of its title in 2012 after meteorologists declared record breaking temperature readings invalid. With temperatures regularly hitting 48°C in summer, it’s probably still best to bring your sun cream.
1. Death Valley, California, USA
This beautiful National park holds the record for the hottest air temperature ever recorded. In 1913, the desert reached a phenomenal 56.7°C. The scorching weather continues to this day, with 2016 seeing a high of 52°C, making the area one of the most extreme hiking destinations in the world.
Freezing over…
3. Verkhoyansk, Russia
One of the coldest places on Earth, this small town has still recorded a population of 1,311 people. The lowest recorded temperature is -67°C, making the area the coldest inhabited place in the world. It also holds the Guinness World Record of the greatest temperature range on earth at 105°C. The area is so inhospitable, and (not so fun fact) – Stalin used to send his political exiles there, earning the area the nickname ‘Stalin’s Death Ring’.
2. Eismitte, Greenland
This site for an Arctic exhibition, also called Mid-Ice, is located in central Greenland. The 1930 expedition to the base tragically claimed the life of celebrated German Scientist Alfred Wegener. One of the coldest places on Earth, temperatures have recently dropped as low as -65°C.
1. Vostok, Antarctica
Unsurprisingly, Antarctica tops our list of coldest places on earth. Although the continent is almost entirely desert, it’s so cold that when it does rain it does not melt. The ice is up to 4km thick in some places. The Russian research station Vostok, set up in 1957, was the destination of the lowest recorded natural temperature: -89.2°C. Remember your thermals!
That’s a wrap! Explore the extremes of hot and cold at Techniquest with Fire v. Ice but be quick though, the last show takes place this weekend.