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Arctic Sea Ice Minimum 2026 - NASA Visualization

Watch a time-lapse visualization from NASA showing the retreat of Arctic sea ice from March 15, 2026, to its minimum extent on September 12, 2026, compared to the 1981-2010 average minimum.

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arctic-sea-ice-min-2026-2160p60.mp4

Summary: This video visualizes the 2026 Arctic sea ice melt season, from its maximum extent in March to its annual minimum in September, comparing it to the historical average.

The video presents a time-lapse animation of the Arctic region, showcasing the seasonal retreat of sea ice in 2026. Starting on March 15, 2026, with widespread ice cover, the visualization tracks the melting process through spring and summer. By September 12, 2026, the Arctic sea ice reaches its annual minimum extent. The final frames superimpose a yellow outline representing the average minimum sea ice extent from 1981-2010, providing a visual comparison of the 2026 minimum against historical averages.

Playback guide

1. timestamp: 00:00 label: Arctic sea ice on March 15, 2026, near its annual maximum extent. 2. timestamp: 00:04 label: Arctic sea ice on April 1, 2026, showing early signs of melt. 3. timestamp: 00:10 label: Arctic sea ice on May 2, 2026, with noticeable reduction in some areas. 4. timestamp: 00:16 label: Arctic sea ice on June 1, 2026, as the melt season progresses rapidly. 5. timestamp: 00:22 label: Arctic sea ice on July 2, 2026, with significant open water areas. 6. timestamp: 00:28 label: Arctic sea ice on August 1, 2026, approaching its annual minimum. 7. timestamp: 00:34 label: Arctic sea ice on September 1, 2026, close to its lowest point. 8. timestamp: 00:37 label: Arctic sea ice on September 12, 2026, showing the 2026 minimum extent compared to the 1981-2010 average minimum (yellow outline).

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7 days: 4,786

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