We often talk about record heat , especially in the context of climate change. But on the flip side, our planet also experiences cold so extreme it defies belief—temperatures that can flash-freeze exposed skin and halt life as we know it. These are not just numbers on thermometers; they’re snapshots of how Earth's atmosphere behaves under specific conditions—altitude, wind patterns, and location far from the moderating effects of oceans. The coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth? That title goes to Vostok Station in Antarctica, where scientists measured a bone-cracking −89.2°C (−128.6°F) on July 21, 1983. Located on the East Antarctic Plateau, Vostok is more than 1,000 kilometers from the South Pole and sits atop about 3.7 kilometers (2.3 miles) of ice. It’s isolated, dry, and high—three ingredients that make for perfect deep freeze conditions. The world map below created by VividMaps shows the lowest temperature ever recorded by country. The Coldest Inhabited Place on Earth...
Nature runs on its own clock. While some creatures, like tortoises and Greenland sharks, can live for centuries , others experience life in fast-forward. Some animals complete their entire existence in just days, from birth to reproduction to death. But why does evolution favor such fleeting lifespans for some species? The Shortest-Lived Creatures on Earth Most of the world’s shortest-lived animals are insects, but some fish, reptiles, and even mammals also have shockingly brief lifespans. Below are some of the most short-lived species: Mayflies: The One-Day Wonders Lifespan: ~1 day Why so short? Mayflies have one of the most extreme life cycles, living just long enough to reproduce. Their larvae develop in water for months before emerging as winged adults that live only a few hours. Despite their brevity, they play a crucial role in ecosystems, serving as a food source for fish and birds. Interestingly, mayfly larvae are an indicator of clean, well-oxygenated water. Luna Moths: A W...