lõunapoolusele

Lõunapoolus, also known as the geographic South Pole, is the southernmost point on the planet Earth. It is located at 90 degrees south latitude, where all lines of longitude converge. The South Pole lies on the Antarctic continent, a vast, ice-covered landmass. The average elevation at the South Pole is approximately 2,835 meters (9,301 feet) above sea level, primarily due to the thick ice sheet that covers the bedrock.

The South Pole is characterized by extreme cold and long periods of darkness and daylight. For about six months of the year, the sun remains below the horizon, resulting in continuous night, while for the other six months, the sun is continuously above the horizon, creating a period of constant daylight. Temperatures at the South Pole are among the coldest on Earth, with average annual temperatures around -49 degrees Celsius (-56 degrees Fahrenheit).

The first confirmed landing at the South Pole was by Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen on December 14, 1911, during his expedition to reach the pole. British explorer Robert Falcon Scott arrived at the South Pole just a month later, on January 17, 1912, and tragically died on his return journey.

Today, the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, operated by the United States, is located at the geographic South Pole. This research station conducts scientific studies in various fields, including astronomy, astrophysics, glaciology, and atmospheric science. Access to the South Pole is typically achieved via aircraft, with flights originating from McMurdo Station or other Antarctic bases.