Mars is known as a bleak planet, but some places on Earth aren't exactly picnics,
even in the summer. This Antarctic mountain is a good example.
Called Vinson Massif, it is the tallest mountain in Antarctica at 16,067 feet (4,897 meters). The whole structure is about 13 miles long and 8 miles wide. It was first surveyed in 1957 and named for U.S. Congressman Carl Vinson, who supported Antarctic research expeditions.
Despite its reputation for snow, Antarctica is the driest continent on Earth. It's also the coldest. And the highest, on average.
About 400 people have climbed Vinson Massif, according to NASA, even though
the nearest airport is in Chile and it can cost $50,000 to make the trek. The
rewards are what extreme hikers should expect: a good view of a desolate landscape
and summertime temperatures that average -20 degrees Fahrenheit (-29 Celsius)
even under 24-hour sunshine.
This image, from NASA’s Terra satellite, was made on November 15, 2002 and just released.
