Our planet has many places that can get really hot, like areas with forest fires, flowing lava, or even inside factories where iron is melted. But if we’re talking about the hottest places based on regular weather and climate, where exactly is the hottest spot on Earth?
Many people might think of “Death Valley” in California. This is a good guess because on July 10, 1913, the temperature there hit a scorching 56.7°C (134°F) at a place called Furnace Creek. This is the highest temperature ever officially recorded on Earth.
When measuring temperature, weather stations usually check the air temperature in the shade, about one and a half meters above the ground. If you’ve ever walked barefoot on a hot beach, you know that the ground can feel much hotter than the air around you. There are only about 11,119 official weather stations around the world, which means there is roughly one station for every 13,000 square kilometers. To put that in perspective, that’s about six stations for an area the size of Scotland!
To truly find the hottest place on Earth, we need to look at temperatures all over the planet. Luckily, NASA helps with this by using satellites called Terra and Aqua. These satellites measure the Earth’s temperature from space every day. They use special tools called spectroradiometers to detect infrared radiation, which is basically the heat coming from the Earth’s surface. Although these satellites measure temperature over each square kilometer, which isn’t perfect, it’s still much more detailed than the data from weather stations.
So, where is the hottest square kilometer on Earth? Surprisingly, it’s not Furnace Creek, which once recorded a temperature of 62.7°C. It’s also not the “Scorched Wheat” plateau in the Lut Desert of Iran, even though it claims to be the hottest. The actual hottest spot is a nearby area in the Lut Desert, which reached an incredible 70.7°C (159.3°F). To give you an idea of how hot that is, it’s just one degree hotter than what’s needed to cook an egg yolk!
Understanding these extreme temperatures helps scientists learn more about our planet’s climate and how it might be changing. It’s fascinating to think about how technology, like satellites, allows us to discover and understand these extreme conditions on Earth.
Conduct an experiment to compare air and ground temperatures. Use a thermometer to measure the air temperature in the shade and then measure the ground temperature in direct sunlight. Record your findings and discuss why there might be differences between the two measurements.
Explore satellite images of the Lut Desert using online resources. Identify the hottest areas and compare them to other regions around the world. Discuss how satellites help scientists gather data about Earth’s temperatures.
Research and present how different temperatures affect cooking. For example, find out what temperature is needed to cook an egg yolk. Discuss how the extreme temperatures in the Lut Desert compare to cooking temperatures.
Design a simple model of a weather station that could measure temperature in extreme environments. Consider what materials and technology you would need to ensure accurate readings. Present your design to the class.
Participate in a class discussion about how understanding extreme temperatures can help scientists study climate change. Share your thoughts on how technology, like satellites, contributes to this research.
The Earth has many warm places, including forest fires, lava flows, iron foundries, and nuclear reactors. However, if we’re discussing the hottest locations based on regular climate and weather, where on the Earth’s surface is the hottest? Some might suggest “Death Valley,” which is a reasonable guess, as the 56.7°C temperature recorded on July 10, 1913, at Furnace Creek remains the highest temperature officially documented.
It’s important to note that weather stations measure air temperature in the shade, about a meter and a half above the ground. As anyone who has walked barefoot on a hot beach knows, surfaces in direct sunlight can be significantly hotter than the air above them. Additionally, there are only 11,119 official weather stations worldwide, averaging one station for every 13,000 square kilometers, which means there are about six stations for an area the size of Scotland.
To accurately identify the hottest place on Earth, we would need extensive monitoring of temperatures across the planet. Fortunately, NASA measures the Earth’s temperature from space daily using the Terra and Aqua satellites, which are equipped with spectroradiometers that detect infrared radiation, or heat, emanating from the Earth’s surface. While the resolution isn’t perfect, as the satellites measure temperature averaged over each square kilometer, this is still significantly better than the data from weather stations.
So, which location holds the title for the hottest square kilometer on Earth? Surprisingly, it’s not Furnace Creek, which recorded 62.7°C. It’s also not the “Scorched Wheat” plateau in the Lut Desert of Iran, despite claims of being the hottest place. The true winner is a nearby area in the Lut Desert, which reached a staggering 70.7°C (159.3°F). This temperature is one degree hotter than what is needed for the proteins in an egg yolk to coagulate, effectively cooking it.
Hottest – Having the highest temperature – The hottest place on Earth is often considered to be the Lut Desert in Iran, where temperatures can soar above 70 degrees Celsius.
Temperature – A measure of how hot or cold something is – Scientists use thermometers to record the temperature of the ocean to study climate change.
Earth – The third planet from the Sun, home to all known life – Earth is unique in our solar system because it has liquid water on its surface.
Satellites – Objects that orbit around planets, often used to collect data – Weather satellites help meteorologists predict storms and track weather patterns.
Climate – The average weather conditions in a region over a long period – The climate in tropical regions is typically warm and humid throughout the year.
Desert – A dry, barren area of land with little rainfall – The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world, covering much of North Africa.
Measure – To determine the size, amount, or degree of something – Scientists measure the amount of rainfall in an area to understand its water resources.
Radiation – Energy that comes from a source and travels through space – The Sun emits radiation that warms the Earth’s surface and drives weather patterns.
Weather – The state of the atmosphere at a particular place and time – Today’s weather forecast predicts sunny skies with a chance of afternoon showers.
Heat – The energy that causes things to become warmer – During the summer, the heat from the sun can cause temperatures to rise significantly.
