Where is the edge of the world?
The idea of “edges” comes from ancient myths, but scientifically, “edges” can refer to the Kármán line (the boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space) or specific geographical locations with names like “Edge of the World,” such as the cliffs near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, or the southernmost tip of South America.
Scientific “edges”
The Kármán line: This is an internationally recognized boundary that separates Earth’s atmosphere from outer space. It is defined as 62 miles (100 km) above sea level.
The atmosphere’s edge: The atmosphere doesn’t have a sharp cutoff, but its density decreases exponentially as altitude increases. It’s a gradual thinning of gases that fades into space.
Geographical “edges”
Verdens Ende, Norway: This is a scenic point of land at the southern tip of the island of Tjøme, which translates to “World’s End”.
The Southernmost Point of South America: Some consider the southern tip of South America to be the “edge of the world” geographically. Ushuaia, Argentina, is the world’s southernmost city, and the area of Tierra del Fuego is often referred to as a remote “end of the world”.
The Edge of the World, Saudi Arabia: This is a dramatic geological cliff formation northwest of Riyadh that offers panoramic views of the desert, and it is a popular tourist destination.
