Figure 27-7: Exploring Lake Vostok Russian scientists search for life in an environment that might be similar to the oceans of Europa or Enceladus. The coldest temperature recorded on Earth was above Lake Vostok, at −89°C (−128°F). This is similar to typical Martian surface temperatures. However, the lake’s liquid water below is much warmer at only about −3°C. This is encouraging because thick ice can act as insulation to keep in a planet or moon’s internal heat.
(Adapted from Nicolle Rager-Fuller/NSF)