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Toby Smith

A snowy vista captured from Mount Aragats Cosmic Ray Division facility.

Mount Aragats is a four-peaked volcanic massif. Shortly after World War II, observers discovered the presence of snowfields on the sides of the crater basin, as well as permanent glaciers within the crater. Analysis in recent decades indicates that the glacier’s surface area has rapidly retreated.

A scientist picks a mushroom for his grandson on the Byurkan Astronomical Observatory complex further down the mountain. Despite funding cuts, the center continues to conduct valuable work.

A derelict observatory near the Cosmic Ray Division facility.