This video is sponsored by CuriosityStream.
This video is sponsored by CuriosityStream.

The North Pole and South Pole
The North Pole and South Pole

The northernmost point on earth,  
The northernmost point on earth,  

and the southernmost point on earth,  on opposite ends of the globe.
and the southernmost point on earth,  on opposite ends of the globe.

The board is seriously considering shutting you down.
The board is seriously considering shutting you down.

Outsourcing, an entirely new operation, based at, and I know this is gonna be tough for you to hear, based at the South Pole.
Outsourcing, an entirely new operation, based at, and I know this is gonna be tough for you to hear, based at the South Pole.

Both kind of get one really long day each year,  with six months of daylight, followed by six  
Both kind of get one really long day each year,  with six months of daylight, followed by six  

months of night. So only one sunrise and sunset a  year, yo. This is due to the earth being tilted on  
months of night. So only one sunrise and sunset a  year, yo. This is due to the earth being tilted on  

its axis. The axis of the earth is almost always  pointing in the same direction in space. However,  
its axis. The axis of the earth is almost always  pointing in the same direction in space. However,  

relative to the Sun, the tilt direction  changes as the earth orbits it. Each pole  
relative to the Sun, the tilt direction  changes as the earth orbits it. Each pole  

tilts toward the Sun for half the year and then  away from the Sun the other half of the year.
tilts toward the Sun for half the year and then  away from the Sun the other half of the year.

Anyway, this is also why it gets very, very, very  freaking cold at both places. However, it gets  
Anyway, this is also why it gets very, very, very  freaking cold at both places. However, it gets  

much,much colder at the South Pole. The lowest  temperature ever recorded at the South Pole was  
much,much colder at the South Pole. The lowest  temperature ever recorded at the South Pole was  

-82.8°C, or -117°F, whereas the lowest temperature  ever recorded at the North Pole was -50°C,  
-82.8°C, or -117°F, whereas the lowest temperature  ever recorded at the North Pole was -50°C,  

or -58°F. Now, the lowest temperature  ever directly recorded at ground level on  
or -58°F. Now, the lowest temperature  ever directly recorded at ground level on  

Earth was −89.2 °C (−128.6 °F). And that  was at the Vostok Station in Antarctica,  
Earth was −89.2 °C (−128.6 °F). And that  was at the Vostok Station in Antarctica,  

which is about 798 miles, or  1,284 km, from the South Pole.
which is about 798 miles, or  1,284 km, from the South Pole.

Now, the HIGHEST temperature ever recorded  at the South Pole was only -12.3°C,  
Now, the HIGHEST temperature ever recorded  at the South Pole was only -12.3°C,  

or 10°F. Yep, it never gets anywhere close  to above freezing there. The North Pole,  
or 10°F. Yep, it never gets anywhere close  to above freezing there. The North Pole,  

on the other hand, once recorded  a temperature of 13 °C, or 55 °F.
on the other hand, once recorded  a temperature of 13 °C, or 55 °F.

This is why some wildlife has been spotted near  the North Pole, but basically only a rare type  
This is why some wildlife has been spotted near  the North Pole, but basically only a rare type  

of bacteria has ever been actively observed at the  South Pole, although that has been disputed. Even  
of bacteria has ever been actively observed at the  South Pole, although that has been disputed. Even  

animals like polar bears and arctic foxes have  been known to wander near the North Pole, and one  
animals like polar bears and arctic foxes have  been known to wander near the North Pole, and one  

animal, a type of sea anemone, apparently lives in  the water at and around the North Pole. Craziness.
animal, a type of sea anemone, apparently lives in  the water at and around the North Pole. Craziness.

This is what the North Pole actually  looks like, Uh yeah, those are people  
This is what the North Pole actually  looks like, Uh yeah, those are people  

running at the North Pole. There’s  a North Pole Marathon apparently?
running at the North Pole. There’s  a North Pole Marathon apparently?

But the North Pole is in the middle of the ocean,  and because in recent years it’s been getting  
But the North Pole is in the middle of the ocean,  and because in recent years it’s been getting  

warmer and warmer up there in the summer, the ice  has been melting and you see little areas of just  
warmer and warmer up there in the summer, the ice  has been melting and you see little areas of just  

water. Most of the time, however, the ice at the  North Pole is around 2-3 meters, or 6-10 feet,  
water. Most of the time, however, the ice at the  North Pole is around 2-3 meters, or 6-10 feet,  

thick. The depth of the ocean at the North  Pole is more than 4,000 meters, or 13,123 feet.
thick. The depth of the ocean at the North  Pole is more than 4,000 meters, or 13,123 feet.

The South Pole is in the middle of a giant  continent, the aforementioned Antarctica. Hey  
The South Pole is in the middle of a giant  continent, the aforementioned Antarctica. Hey  

I’m starting a country there by the way-  check out this video for more details.
I’m starting a country there by the way-  check out this video for more details.

But yeah, because the South Pole is on  land and sits on a very thick blanket of  
But yeah, because the South Pole is on  land and sits on a very thick blanket of  

ice, it’s at a much higher elevation. 2835 meters,  
ice, it’s at a much higher elevation. 2835 meters,  

or 9,300 feet above sea level. In fact, a few  years ago Buzz Aldrin (yes the Buzz Aldrin  
or 9,300 feet above sea level. In fact, a few  years ago Buzz Aldrin (yes the Buzz Aldrin  

who walked on the moon) had to evacuate  the South Pole due to altitude sickness.
who walked on the moon) had to evacuate  the South Pole due to altitude sickness.

The North Pole is at sea level  because it’s...ya know...at sea.  
The North Pole is at sea level  because it’s...ya know...at sea.  

That’s also why it gets warmer there. So who controls the North Pole and South  
That’s also why it gets warmer there. So who controls the North Pole and South  

Pole? Well certainly not this guy, but before I  answer that question, this video is sponsored by  
Pole? Well certainly not this guy, but before I  answer that question, this video is sponsored by  

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40% off the original price, buddy. Thanks to  Curiositystream for sponsoring this video.

Ok, so both poles are not controlled  by any one country. The North Pole is  
Ok, so both poles are not controlled  by any one country. The North Pole is  

on international waters, and the  South Pole is open to any country  
on international waters, and the  South Pole is open to any country  

for scientific purposes as established  by the Antarctic Treaty System.
for scientific purposes as established  by the Antarctic Treaty System.

The South Pole has a permanent scientific  research station there called the  
The South Pole has a permanent scientific  research station there called the  

Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, named  for the two folks who raced to be the first  
Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, named  for the two folks who raced to be the first  

humans to ever make it to that location-  Roald Amundsen and Robert F. Scott.
humans to ever make it to that location-  Roald Amundsen and Robert F. Scott.

The station is permanently inhabited. Yep,  even in the very cold, very dark winters,  
The station is permanently inhabited. Yep,  even in the very cold, very dark winters,  

around 45-50 people live there. For the  logistics of working and living at the  
around 45-50 people live there. For the  logistics of working and living at the  

Amundsen-Scott station, I highly recommend  checking out the Wendover Productions video  
Amundsen-Scott station, I highly recommend  checking out the Wendover Productions video  

about it. But yeah, folks conduct many  important scientific experiments there.
about it. But yeah, folks conduct many  important scientific experiments there.

But hey, scientists research the North Pole, too.  Because of the North Pole being over water, they  
But hey, scientists research the North Pole, too.  Because of the North Pole being over water, they  

send out manned drifting research stations. Russia  sends one out almost every year, calling them NP  
send out manned drifting research stations. Russia  sends one out almost every year, calling them NP  

stations. Hey you were thinking in your head just  now correctly! The NP stands for “North Pole.”  
stations. Hey you were thinking in your head just  now correctly! The NP stands for “North Pole.”  

In recent years, the United States has put up  webcams at the North Pole so that’s groovy.
In recent years, the United States has put up  webcams at the North Pole so that’s groovy.

Both the North Pole and South Pole are basically  deserts, getting very low precipitation. However,  
Both the North Pole and South Pole are basically  deserts, getting very low precipitation. However,  

the North Pole gets more precipitation. (NP-  9.8 inches (25cm) a year, SP- 2.3 inches (5.8  
the North Pole gets more precipitation. (NP-  9.8 inches (25cm) a year, SP- 2.3 inches (5.8  

cm)a year) Wait a second, how can an ocean be  a desert? Look, a desert just means a part of  
cm)a year) Wait a second, how can an ocean be  a desert? Look, a desert just means a part of  

the earth that gets low precipitation. The  North and South Poles are in polar deserts.
the earth that gets low precipitation. The  North and South Poles are in polar deserts.

Due to harsh conditions, humans only started  to attempt to go to both poles beginning in  
Due to harsh conditions, humans only started  to attempt to go to both poles beginning in  

the 1900s. They got to the North Pole before  the South Pole. Well, actually...maybe not? 
the 1900s. They got to the North Pole before  the South Pole. Well, actually...maybe not? 

Ok remember this dude who I  mentioned earlier? Roald Amundsen?  
Ok remember this dude who I  mentioned earlier? Roald Amundsen?  

Well this freaking guy was the first human  being to ever get to the South Pole. Oh,  
Well this freaking guy was the first human  being to ever get to the South Pole. Oh,  

and the first human to ever reach the North  Pole. Hold up say what? Well let me add a caveat  
and the first human to ever reach the North  Pole. Hold up say what? Well let me add a caveat  

here. Both the American explorer Frederick  Cook and American Navy engineer Robert Peary  
here. Both the American explorer Frederick  Cook and American Navy engineer Robert Peary  

claimed to have reached the North Pole before  Amundsen, but the evidence is shaky regarding  
claimed to have reached the North Pole before  Amundsen, but the evidence is shaky regarding  

whether or not both actually made it to the  North Pole. So yeah, that’s why I say Amundsen,  
whether or not both actually made it to the  North Pole. So yeah, that’s why I say Amundsen,  

along with his American sponsor Lincoln Ellsworth,  was the first one who led a consistent, verified,  
along with his American sponsor Lincoln Ellsworth,  was the first one who led a consistent, verified,  

and scientifically persuasive trip there on May  12, 1926, which was 14 and a half years after  
and scientifically persuasive trip there on May  12, 1926, which was 14 and a half years after  

he first reached the South Pole. Man,  Amundsen, way to dominate the poles.
he first reached the South Pole. Man,  Amundsen, way to dominate the poles.

But anyway, you might be surprised to hear  that lots of people have been to the North  
But anyway, you might be surprised to hear  that lots of people have been to the North  

Pole and South Pole since then. Though  I couldn’t find exact numbers on this,  
Pole and South Pole since then. Though  I couldn’t find exact numbers on this,  

according to my own estimates, thousands, if not  tens of thousands, have been to the South Pole,  
according to my own estimates, thousands, if not  tens of thousands, have been to the South Pole,  

and likely hundreds of thousands have been  to the North Pole. Although, I will say,  
and likely hundreds of thousands have been  to the North Pole. Although, I will say,  

it can be hard for people to tell if they’re  actually at the North Pole or not. Nowadays,  
it can be hard for people to tell if they’re  actually at the North Pole or not. Nowadays,  

people know they are there thanks to GPS,  but before GPS, it was difficult since there  
people know they are there thanks to GPS,  but before GPS, it was difficult since there  

is no permanent marker since it’s all  ice, and sometimes it’s shifting ice.
is no permanent marker since it’s all  ice, and sometimes it’s shifting ice.

Oh ok, so do YOU want to go to the North Pole?  Better have lots of money. A cruise can take you  
Oh ok, so do YOU want to go to the North Pole?  Better have lots of money. A cruise can take you  

there for around $30,000, although I found one for  as cheap as $20,000 and, according to one cruise  
there for around $30,000, although I found one for  as cheap as $20,000 and, according to one cruise  

line a “luxury” 16-day voyage there is gonna  cost ya up to around $37,000. You can fly there  
line a “luxury” 16-day voyage there is gonna  cost ya up to around $37,000. You can fly there  

or near there for much cheaper. For more money,  you can fly there by helicopter. You can go by  
or near there for much cheaper. For more money,  you can fly there by helicopter. You can go by  

dog sled. Seriously. And some people still,  believe it or not, just put on their skis and  
dog sled. Seriously. And some people still,  believe it or not, just put on their skis and  

trek up there by foot. That said, less than  50 people have done this without any outside  
trek up there by foot. That said, less than  50 people have done this without any outside  

support whatsoever. Also, due to temperatures  dramatically rising at the poles in recent years,  
support whatsoever. Also, due to temperatures  dramatically rising at the poles in recent years,  

the trek has become increasingly dangerous due  to melting and shifting ice on the Arctic Ocean.
the trek has become increasingly dangerous due  to melting and shifting ice on the Arctic Ocean.

What about the South Pole? Well,  it’s gonna be even more expensive.  
What about the South Pole? Well,  it’s gonna be even more expensive.  

You can fly there, but it will cost  you at least $50,000. And strangely,  
You can fly there, but it will cost  you at least $50,000. And strangely,  

if you want to spend even more money, you  can travel there by foot? Yeah here’s a dude  
if you want to spend even more money, you  can travel there by foot? Yeah here’s a dude  

who apparently paid more than $64,000 to  trek there on skis. Dang people are crazy.
who apparently paid more than $64,000 to  trek there on skis. Dang people are crazy.

But remember, people can actually LIVE at the  South Pole. Thousands have actually LIVED there.  
But remember, people can actually LIVE at the  South Pole. Thousands have actually LIVED there.  

1,604 people have spent entire winters there. One  dude has apparently spent 15 winters living there.
1,604 people have spent entire winters there. One  dude has apparently spent 15 winters living there.

The North Pole is not in a time zone  since no one lives there. The South Pole  
The North Pole is not in a time zone  since no one lives there. The South Pole  

is unofficially in the New Zealand time  zone since that’s where planes fly in from.  
is unofficially in the New Zealand time  zone since that’s where planes fly in from.  

But yeah, at the North Pole it is,  uh, whatever time you want it to be.
But yeah, at the North Pole it is,  uh, whatever time you want it to be.

Because of the movement of the ice at the  South Pole, each year they have to move the  
Because of the movement of the ice at the  South Pole, each year they have to move the  

mark where it’s actually at. This pole here is  actually some 300 meters away from the actual  
mark where it’s actually at. This pole here is  actually some 300 meters away from the actual  

South Pole, but it sure does make a  great photo op if you can make it there.
South Pole, but it sure does make a  great photo op if you can make it there.

There are at least six places in the  world named North Pole, and I’ve been  
There are at least six places in the  world named North Pole, and I’ve been  

to one of them...the one in Alaska. Why is  the North Pole a popular place name? Because  
to one of them...the one in Alaska. Why is  the North Pole a popular place name? Because  

many believe that Santa Claus lives at the  North Pole. I don’t know if this is true or not,  
many believe that Santa Claus lives at the  North Pole. I don’t know if this is true or not,  

but wouldn’t it be safer for Santa and his elves  to move to the South Pole? I’m just saying.
but wouldn’t it be safer for Santa and his elves  to move to the South Pole? I’m just saying.

Well that was fun. I usually don’t make Compared  videos quite like that, but you know what, I’m  
Well that was fun. I usually don’t make Compared  videos quite like that, but you know what, I’m  

releasing this video on Christmas Day so what the  heck. As most of you already know, the North Pole  
releasing this video on Christmas Day so what the  heck. As most of you already know, the North Pole  

is so important for Christmas folklore. So What  should I compare next? How about...let's get more ambitious. The Eastern Hemisphere  
is so important for Christmas folklore. So What  should I compare next? How about...let's get more ambitious. The Eastern Hemisphere  

and the Western Hemisphere? Too ambitious. How about less ambitious. Apples and orange! Ok, now I'm just getting silly, but seriously
and the Western Hemisphere? Too ambitious. How about less ambitious. Apples and orange! Ok, now I'm just getting silly, but seriously

let me know down below what I should compare next. Merry Christmas, but  if you don’t celebrate Christmas Merry…..Day!
let me know down below what I should compare next. Merry Christmas, but  if you don’t celebrate Christmas Merry…..Day!