Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory official
Viktor Ambartsumian Armenian-Soviet scientist founder of the Byurakan Observatory
Synopsis Mount Aragaz is the highest mountain in Armenia. At an altitude of 3500 m one can find the remnants of a prestige project of the Soviet Union: the weather beaten buildings of Aragats Cosmic Ray Division. Here, more than a hundred men used to search for messengers from distant galaxies – particles, created by cosmic radiation on its way to earth in billions of tiny explosions. Most of the researchers left, when the financial support of the institution collapsed with the Soviet Union. However, despite the lack of funding a small group of Armenian scientists endures on the top of Mount Aragaz. Like astronauts in a spaceship they continue their research, hoping for a sensation: The discovery of unknown galaxies.
Statement
The Universe, the Nothingness, the Solitude – three scientists are holding out at what was once the Soviet Union’s greatest cosmic research station. Are they closer to the secret of Creation – here, on top of Armenia’s highest mountain? In their work they rather look like Sisyphus’ brothers, and it is not by accident that they start searching for the meaning of their existence, of God’s existence. Man asks, and the World does not reply. Or does it?
DURATION: 30 min
FORMAT: 35 mm / Farbe / 1:1,85 / DolbySR
LANGUAGE: armenian / german and english subtitles (optional)
PRODUCTION: Pelle Film in Ko-Produktion mit der HFF München und dem Bayerischen Rundfunk
Armenia’s Cosmic-Ray Catchers 2020 article
‘We’re Above Civilization’: life in a cosmic-ray station photo essay
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