Earth and Space

The coldest place in the universe

Stories from Physics for 11-14 14-16 IOP RESOURCES

A young planetary nebula, the Boomerang Nebula, is the coldest naturally occurring place in the universe at a temperature of 1 K. The low temperature of the nebula is thought to arise from the rapid expansion of gases, travelling at speeds of around 160 km/s.

References

IOP AWARDS 2025

Teachers of Physics Awards

The Teachers of Physics Award celebrates the success of secondary school physics teachers who have raised the profile of physics and science in schools. Nominations for 2025 are now open.

Start your nomination now