Readers have responded to the question of whether there are places on Earth where humans have never been, offering a wide range of examples from the mundane to the extreme. The discussion highlights that despite centuries of exploration, vast areas remain untouched by human presence.
Deep Earth and Oceans Remain Untouched
One reader points out that no human has ever reached the molten core of the planet, with the deepest mines only penetrating a few kilometers below the surface. Similarly, the deepest parts of the ocean floor remain physically untouched, even if viewed via submersibles. The Arctic ice that forms each winter is also largely untrodden, as it melts and refreezes annually.
Unexplored Caves and Mountains
Among caving communities, it is estimated that only about 10% of Earth's explorable caves are known, leaving roughly 90% undiscovered. New cave systems are still being found even in densely populated areas. In terms of mountains, Gangkhar Puensum in Bhutan, at 7,570 meters, is the highest unclimbed peak in the world, with climbing banned since 1994 due to local beliefs. Other unclimbed peaks include Mount Siple in Antarctica.
Everyday Untouched Spaces
Some readers offer lighter examples, such as under their sons' beds, inside a new toilet bowl before first use, or the interior of a car's hidden storage nook. One reader notes that every new snowfall creates an untouched surface, while erosion constantly exposes new rock surfaces that have never been seen by humans.
Remote Regions and Cultural Limits
Large areas of the Arctic, Antarctic, and Sahara remain unvisited. In the Sahara, the Hoggar region covers 550,000 sq km, with peaks never climbed because the Tuareg do not have a tradition of mountaineering. Similarly, parts of Papua New Guinea are said to be unexplored. One reader mentions that the Great Pyramid contains a 30-meter void that has remained sealed since construction.
Philosophical Reflections
Several readers reflect on the vastness of unexplored territory, with one noting that humanity lives on the thin skin of the planet, and the deepest mines are like a rounding error on a basketball. Another finds comfort in the existence of untouched places, while a skeptic argues that eventually every place will be explored. The responses collectively emphasize that Earth still holds many secrets, both vast and small.
