Sphinx Observatory, Astronomical observatory at Mount Jungfraujoch, Switzerland
The Sphinx Observatory sits at 3571 meters above sea level on a rocky summit in the Swiss Alps and contains research facilities and viewing platforms. The structure includes a small building with a copper dome fixed into the rock and holds several floors beneath the summit.
Construction was completed in 1937 when engineers and workers brought material up using the newly opened Jungfrau railway. This facility was among the first permanent research stations at such heights and made experiments possible that had only been feasible in short bursts before.
The name recalls the Egyptian statue because the rocky summit traces its shape when seen from below. Researchers come here to take advantage of the thin air and clear sight that is rarely disturbed at such heights.
The elevator cuts through roughly 100 meters (330 feet) of rock and brings visitors to the viewing platform just below the peak. The air is thin and wind often strong, so warm clothing and slow movements are advisable.
The location has the lowest air humidity north of the Alps, making measurements especially precise. Visitors sometimes see clouds passing below the summit while the sun shines above.
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