While these domes look like they should be in a movie set depicting a galaxy far, far away, they"re actually part of a scientific research station here on planet Earth. Kjell Henriksen Observatory is named for a Norwegian scientist whose research focused on the polar lights. The aurora borealis is frequently seen here, deep within the Arctic Circle in Norway"s remote Svalbard territory. And the observatory is specially designed to observe the aurora. Since it opened in 2008, the observatory has become a destination for atmospheric scientists, who can rent one of these 30 glass-topped rooms built to house high-end optical instruments.
Kjell Henriksen Observatory
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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It’s Draw a Bird Day
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Put your helmet on, we’re going for a hike
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From pirate port to nature preserve
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Pining for spring
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Presidents Day
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Happy Thanksgiving!
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Tough turf
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New Year’s Day in the land of the rising sun
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The largest American bison around
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A valley view at 9,000 feet
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A lush, green escape
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Flower of Life symbol drawn in snow
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A legend and a legendary home
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World Lizard Day
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Eben Ice Caves, Upper Peninsula, Michigan
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La Rocque Harbour, Island of Jersey
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Tigh Mor Trossachs on Loch Achray, Scotland
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National Mushroom Month
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The mighty, mighty mushroom
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A meerkat stands alone
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Juniper Springs, Florida
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Devetashka Cave, Devetaki, Bulgaria
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Lake Pehoé, Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
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Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz, California
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Get on your bike and ride
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In the path of the pronghorn
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Art in the high desert
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Vale of Edale, Peak District, England
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Bridges to the past
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Happy Fathers Day!