Pole of Inaccessibility research station
The Pole of Inaccessibility research station (Russian: Полюс недоступности) is a defunct Soviet research station in Kemp Land, Antarctica, at the southern pole of inaccessibility (the point in Antarctica furthest from any ocean) as defined in 1958 when the station was established. Later definitions give other locations, all relatively near this point. It performed meteorological observations from 14 to 26 December 1958. The Pole of Inaccessibility has the world's coldest year-round average temperature of −58.2 °C (−72.8 °F).
Pole of Inaccessibility
Полюс недоступности | |
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The Pole of Inaccessibility station, showing the bust of Lenin, in January 2007. The station is buried beneath the snow. | |
Pole of Inaccessibility Location of the Pole of Inaccessibility in Antarctica | |
| Coordinates: 82°06′42″S 55°01′57″E | |
| Country | Soviet Union |
| Location in Antarctica | Kemp Land |
| Established | 14 December 1958 |
| Evacuated | 26 December 1958 |
| Named for | Southern Pole of inaccessibility |
| Elevation | 3,800 m (12,500 ft) |
| Active times | One summer |
| Status | Abandoned |
It is 878 km (546 mi) from the South Pole, and approximately 600 km (370 mi) from Sovetskaya. The surface elevation is 3,724 meters (12,218 feet). It was reached on 14 December 1958 by an 18-man traversing party of the 3rd Soviet Antarctic Expedition. Its WMO ID is 89550.