Synopsis
Scientists have discovered the coldest place in the universe. Earth's temperatures mostly fluctuate within a predictable range, making it hospitable for life. Media reports said that space is colder than planets, moons, or asteroids due to the absence of energy-absorbing matter.
AgenciesExtreme temperatures are nothing new to the Earth's 8.7 million species, from the scorching Sahara Desert to the icy Antarctica. The cosmos is vast and difficult to comprehend; it continually expands and has no centre, leaving much of it unknown to humans. According to media reports, space is highly frigid and colder than planets, moons, or asteroids due to the lack of energy-absorbing materials. Scientists have discovered an area that is colder than space. This is the coldest spot in the cosmos.
What is the universe's coldest location?
According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the coldest point in the cosmos is the Boomerang Nebula. According to NASA, the Boomerang Nebula is the coldest spot in the known cosmos, with a temperature of one degree Kelvin. One degree Kelvin is 458 degrees Fahrenheit, or roughly 272 degrees Celsius. The lowest temperature recorded on Earth was 128.6 degrees Fahrenheit in Vostok, Antarctica.
Britannica says a nebula is a cloud or mist of gas and dust in interstellar space. According to NASA, the Boomerang Nebula is a relatively young planetary nebula about 5,000 light years distant from Earth in the constellation Centaurus. Planetary nebulae are stars that have reached the end of their lives. These nebulae release high UV radiation, which causes the gases to glow and radiate brightly coloured light.
FAQs:
- Is there any place colder than space?
According to the European Space Agency, the Boomerang Nebula has a temperature lower than its background radiation. - What is the universe's hottest spot?
Reportedly, the surface temperature of the dead star in the core of the Red Spider Nebula is 250,000 degrees F, which is 25 times the temperature of the sun's surface.
Disclaimer Statement: This content is authored by an external agency. The views expressed here are that of the respective authors/ entities and do not represent the views of Economic Times (ET). ET does not guarantee, vouch for or endorse any of its contents nor is responsible for them in any manner whatsoever. Please take all steps necessary to ascertain that any information and content provided is correct, updated, and verified. ET hereby disclaims any and all warranties, express or implied, relating to the report and any content therein.
Read More News on
(Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.)
Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates.
I am a space enthusiast and expert, deeply immersed in the exploration and understanding of the cosmos. My knowledge extends beyond the ordinary, and I have delved into the intricacies of celestial bodies, temperature variations in space, and the fascinating phenomena that occur in the vastness of the universe.
Now, let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article about the coldest place in the universe:
-
Temperature in Space: The article emphasizes that space is colder than planets, moons, or asteroids due to the absence of energy-absorbing matter. This is a fundamental concept in astrophysics. In the vacuum of space, there is no air or material to conduct or transfer heat, making it extremely cold.
-
Coldest Spot in the Cosmos: Contrary to the common belief that space itself is the coldest, the article introduces the idea that scientists have discovered an area colder than space. This sets the stage for revealing the actual coldest location in the universe.
-
The Boomerang Nebula: According to NASA, the coldest point in the cosmos is identified as the Boomerang Nebula. This celestial object is a planetary nebula, which Britannica defines as a cloud or mist of gas and dust in interstellar space. The Boomerang Nebula is relatively young and is located about 5,000 light years away from Earth in the constellation Centaurus.
-
Temperature of the Boomerang Nebula: The article states that the Boomerang Nebula has a temperature of one degree Kelvin. This temperature is equivalent to -458 degrees Fahrenheit or roughly -272 degrees Celsius. This extreme cold makes it the coldest spot known in the universe.
-
Nature of Planetary Nebulae: Planetary nebulae, such as the Boomerang Nebula, are formed by stars that have reached the end of their lives. As these stars release high ultraviolet (UV) radiation, the surrounding gases glow and emit brightly colored light.
-
Comparison to Earth's Temperature: The article draws a comparison by mentioning that the lowest temperature ever recorded on Earth was 128.6 degrees Fahrenheit in Vostok, Antarctica. This highlights the stark contrast between the familiar cold on Earth and the extreme coldness of the Boomerang Nebula.
-
Additional Cosmic Temperature Information: The FAQs section provides more insights, stating that the Boomerang Nebula's temperature is lower than its background radiation, reinforcing its status as the coldest known location in the universe. Additionally, the article briefly mentions the hottest spot in the universe, with the surface temperature of the dead star in the core of the Red Spider Nebula reaching 250,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
In conclusion, the article navigates through the concepts of space temperature, introduces the Boomerang Nebula as the coldest spot in the universe, and provides additional context about planetary nebulae and extreme temperatures in space.
