This story appears in the January 2020 issue of National Geographic magazine.
This content is Subscriber-Exclusive
You must have a National Geographic subscription to explore this article.
How a photographer got this amazing mountaintop shot
Getting to this high-altitude research station is surprisingly easy—just take a train.
Photograph by KONSTA PUNKKA
More from this series
Go Further
Animals
- Why 4 dead California sea otters have scientists so alarmedWhy 4 dead California sea otters have scientists so alarmed
- SeaWorld violated the Animal Welfare Act. Why is it still open?SeaWorld violated the Animal Welfare Act. Why is it still open?
- Vengeance or playtime? Why orcas are attacking boatsVengeance or playtime? Why orcas are attacking boats
- These deep-sea animals are new to science—and already at riskThese deep-sea animals are new to science—and already at risk
- Wildlife crime is a national security issue. DHS is on the case.Wildlife crime is a national security issue. DHS is on the case.
Environment
- Is banning fishing bad for fishermen? Not in this marine reserveIs banning fishing bad for fishermen? Not in this marine reserve
- Dust storms are getting worse—here’s why they’re so destructiveDust storms are getting worse—here’s why they’re so destructive
- Japan poised to release nuclear wastewater into the PacificJapan poised to release nuclear wastewater into the Pacific
History & Culture
- Why do we celebrate Memorial Day? A brief history of the holidayWhy do we celebrate Memorial Day? A brief history of the holiday
- 'World’s worst shipwreck' was bloodier than we thought'World’s worst shipwreck' was bloodier than we thought
- England was born on this battlefield. Why can’t we find it?England was born on this battlefield. Why can’t we find it?
Science
- Raging river and frost-tipped dunes reveal watery history on MarsRaging river and frost-tipped dunes reveal watery history on Mars
- The end of cervical cancer? It might be within reach.The end of cervical cancer? It might be within reach.
- How a poor gel manicure can lead to lifelong health issuesHow a poor gel manicure can lead to lifelong health issues
- Are you a stress eater? Here’s how to retrain your brain.Are you a stress eater? Here’s how to retrain your brain.
- Early spinosaur bones reveal the rise of a dinosaur dynastyEarly spinosaur bones reveal the rise of a dinosaur dynasty
Travel
- Is America’s first wilderness area still wild at heart?Is America’s first wilderness area still wild at heart?
- A UK break in Falmouth, Cornwall's maritime boomtownA UK break in Falmouth, Cornwall's maritime boomtown
- Canada's greatest natural wonders: what not to missCanada's greatest natural wonders: what not to miss