Sun Jan 18 06:24:55 UTC 2026: # Point Nemo: Earth’s Most Isolated Spot Continues to Fascinate and Serve Humanity
The Story:
An article published in The Hindu e-Paper on January 18, 2026, explores the unique characteristics and significance of Point Nemo, the oceanic “pole of inaccessibility.” The article details its discovery, its location within the South Pacific Gyre, the reasons for its barrenness, and its unexpected roles as a space cemetery and a site of scientific mystery. The article also highlights the exploration of point Nemo by British explorer Chris Brown and his son Mika on March 20, 2024, when they swam at the site.
Key Points:
* Point Nemo is located at 48°52.6′ south latitude and 123°23.6′ west longitude, approximately 2,700 kilometers from the nearest land.
* Discovered in 1992 by Croatian-Canadian survey engineer Hrvoje Lukatela using a computer program.
* Located within the South Pacific Gyre, a massive, barren system of ocean currents.
* Serves as a “space cemetery” for decommissioned spacecraft, including the planned de-orbiting of the International Space Station around 2031.
* In 1997, the location was near the source of “The Bloop,” a powerful, ultra-low-frequency sound later attributed to a massive icequake.
* Microplastic pollution has been detected in the waters near Point Nemo.
* British explorer Chris Brown and his son Mika swam in Point Nemo on March 20, 2024.
Key Takeaways:
- Point Nemo’s extreme isolation makes it a unique geographical feature and a valuable location for scientific study and space operations.
- The discovery of microplastics in the area underscores the pervasive impact of human pollution, even in the most remote regions of the planet.
- The use of Point Nemo as a space cemetery raises questions about long-term environmental impacts and the responsible disposal of space debris.
First Piper 