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What a beautiful and unique photo! The SOAR Telescope, normally a stalwart observer of the night sky, is transformed into a winter wonderland scene, blanketed with a thick layer of snow. The usually-barren Chilean landscape is now a serene and peaceful expanse of white, with the telescope’s dome and surrounding buildings peeking out from beneath the frosty covering. The snow-covered peaks of the Andes Mountains rise up in the distance, a majestic backdrop for this unusual scene. The clear blue sky above adds a sense of depth and contrast to the photo, highlighting the stark beauty of the snow-covered telescope. It’s not often that we get to see astronomical observatories like SOAR in the midst of a snowstorm. Typically, these facilities are located in areas with clear skies and low humidity, making snow a rare occurrence. But here, the snow has brought a touch of magic to the normally-arid landscape, reminding us that even in the most unexpected places, beauty and wonder can be found. The SOAR Telescope, operated by the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, is a 4.1-meter optical and infrared telescope that has been in operation since 2002. It’s a versatile instrument, capable of conducting a wide range of astronomical research, from studying the formation of stars and galaxies to searching for exoplanets and understanding the properties of dark energy. But on this day, July 11, 2025, the telescope is not focused on the distant reaches of the universe. Instead, it’s simply enjoying the peaceful beauty of a snowy day, a rare and special treat in the Chilean desert.