GREENBELT, USA, Oct. 27, 2026 - NASA Earth Observatory has identified the causes of the extreme ground temperatures recorded in the Lut Desert.

Dark volcanic sand, blocked wind flow, and rain shadow conditions combine to produce ground temperatures as high as 80.8°C at the site.

Space Nugget. Ground temperature is measured directly at the surface of rock or sand. This value is always significantly hotter than the air temperature measured two metres above ground, the standard for official weather readings.