absolute zero

A commentary piece argues that the ocean is colder than space in a meaningful sense, challenging the common assumption that space, with its near absolute zero temperatures, is the coldest environment. The article invites readers to think differently about ocean physics and why the comparison matters for understanding Earth's climate and water's unusual thermal properties.

Absolute zero, around minus 273.15 degrees Celsius, is the lowest temperature physically possible, a limit set by the laws of thermodynamics rather than by anything in the universe itself. At that point atoms reach their minimum possible energy and cannot be cooled further. Science writers are revisiting the concept, explaining why physicists can approach but never actually reach this ultimate cold.