21 July - Vostok recorded a temperature of minus 89.2 degrees Celsius in 1983

 

On July 21, 1983, Vostok recorded a temperature of minus 89.2 degrees Celsius (minus 128.6 degrees Fahrenheit). This makes it the coldest temperature ever observed on the planet.

Vostok Station is a Russian research station located near the center of East Antarctica. The station is known for its extreme cold temperatures due to its high elevation, clear skies, and isolated location. The weather conditions at Vostok are harsh, with bitterly cold winters and limited sunlight during the polar night.

The temperature recorded at Vostok represents one of the most extreme climatic conditions on Earth and highlights the challenges faced by researchers and scientists working in Antarctica's remote and unforgiving environment.

21 July - Aswan High Dam inaugurated in Egypt

 

The Aswan High Dam in Egypt was completed and officially inaugurated on July 21, 1970.

The Aswan High Dam is a major engineering project located in Egypt, spanning the Nile River at the city of Aswan. It is one of the world's largest dams and plays a crucial role in Egypt's economy and agriculture.

Construction of the dam began in 1960 and was completed in 1970. Its main purposes were flood control, water storage, and the generation of hydroelectric power. The dam was built to replace the older Aswan Low Dam, which had limited water storage capacity and couldn't provide sufficient control over the Nile's annual flood.

While the Aswan High Dam has brought numerous benefits to Egypt, it has also resulted in some challenges. The creation of Lake Nasser led to the displacement of many people and submerged several archaeological sites. Additionally, the dam traps sediment, which previously fertilized farmlands downstream, leading to decreased fertility in some areas.

Overall, the Aswan High Dam remains a significant engineering achievement and a critical component of Egypt's infrastructure, supporting its agriculture, water resources, and power generation.