Index Key:  PHY063
Author:     sysop
Subject:    Superconductivity Temperature...
Text:       We were doing a science project on superconductivity and we were 
wondering what is the highest possible temperature superconductivity has 
worked at.

Response #:  1 of 1
Author:      Arthur Smith
Text:        Only 6 years ago, the highest known superconductivity temperature 
was very cold - around 30 degrees above absolute zero (That is Kelvin degrees, 
and is also around -400 degrees Fahrenheit).  Recently discovered materials 
have brought that temperature up to about 125 degrees above absolute zero, or 
around -230 degrees Fahrenheit.  That is a big improvement, but obviously is 
still quite cold.  It is warm enough, though, that liquid nitrogen can be used 
to maintain the superconducting state, and liquid nitrogen is pretty cheap, so 
these materials are definitely a great discovery.