Sierra de Javalambre, Mountain summit in Gúdar-Javalambre, Spain.
Sierra de Javalambre is a mountain range spanning across the eastern section of the Iberian System, with its highest point reaching 2,020 meters in elevation. The terrain includes a ski resort operated by Aramón that maintains trails for winter sports, while the Buitre summit hosts an astronomical research facility.
The mountain's name derives from Arabic origins, tracing back to the Moorish period when the region was under different rule. This linguistic heritage reflects the long-term cultural influences that shaped the area's identity over centuries.
The Astrophysical Observatory on the Buitre summit operates as a working research center where scientists study the stars and conduct their observations. Visitors notice how this facility marks the area as a place dedicated to scientific discovery and understanding the night sky.
The mountain is accessed via the towns of La Puebla de Valverde and Riodeva, which serve as gateway points for visitors approaching the area. Conditions at higher elevations are colder and windier, and winter brings significant snow that can affect travel on the higher sections.
The mountain features a karstic geological formation from the Jurassic period, which created visible caves and fissures throughout the landscape. This geological characteristic makes the area noteworthy for visitors interested in earth sciences and how natural forces shape the land.
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