The Sphinx Observatory: A Marvel of Engineering
The Sphinx Observatory, located at an altitude of nearly 3,600m in the Swiss Alps, is the highest facility of its kind in Europe. Despite the challenging conditions, including treacherous icy surfaces and steep inclines, the observatory was built in this remote and inhospitable location, showcasing the power of engineering. The high altitude allows for a thinner atmosphere, reducing absorption of infrared energy, enabling scientists to detect faint objects and participate in global programs like the atmosphere watch.
History and Construction
Built in 1937, the Sphinx Observatory was constructed out of steel and reinforced concrete and has withstood the elements for 88 years. The construction of the nearby Jungfraujoch Station, Europe’s highest train station, was a crucial factor in the observatory’s development. The station was built as part of the mountain railway network in Switzerland, with the construction of the 9.3 km Yungfra railway tunnel beginning in the late 1800s and taking 16 years to complete.
Challenges and Innovations
The construction of the tunnel was a challenging task, with workers using pickaxes and explosives to dig through alpine rock, resulting in 30 worker deaths and multiple strikes. The introduction of hydroelectric power was a significant innovation, with the construction of the first hydro power plant near La Brunan, followed by another in Luchantal, which is still in use today. The Aiger Express uses a 3S system with two track ropes and one load-bearing cable, allowing for larger rope spans and fewer connection towers.
Access and Tourism
The Jungfraujoch Station brings passengers to the highest railway station in Europe, providing crucial access to the Sphinx Observatory and other tourist attractions. A fast lift, one of the fastest in Europe, was installed by Schindler’s engineers in the 1990s, allowing visitors to reach the top quickly and easily. The lift shaft is controlled from a machine room on top, which houses machines weighing over two tons that can pull lift cars up 108m in 25 seconds.
Recent Developments
A new lift installation has been completed, taking about a minute and a half to reach the top, which is an extraordinary feat of engineering and helps preserve a piece of heritage. The new lift has a large capacity, eliminating long queues and making it a game-changer for the popular location. The construction team overcame extreme challenges to make the project possible, demonstrating how construction can make the impossible possible.
Key Features and Facts
- Location: Swiss Alps, 3,600m above sea level
- Construction: Steel and reinforced concrete, built in 1937
- Altitude: Thinner atmosphere, reducing absorption of infrared energy
- Access: Jungfraujoch Station, Europe’s highest train station
- Lift: One of the fastest in Europe, installed by Schindler’s engineers in the 1990s
- Visitors: Over 1 million people visit annually
Conclusion
The Sphinx Observatory is a remarkable example of engineering and construction, showcasing human ingenuity and innovation. From its challenging construction to its current status as a popular tourist destination, the observatory continues to inspire and awe visitors from around the world. The construction industry has come a long way, from simple tools like pickaxes and explosives to complex projects like the Sphinx Observatory, and it continues to evolve and innovate, with no signs of peaking.
Key Vocabulary
| Term | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Observatory | A location used for observing and studying celestial objects, weather, or other phenomena. | The Sphinx Observatory is a marvel of engineering, allowing scientists to study the atmosphere and detect faint objects. |
| Hydroelectric Power | A form of renewable energy generated by harnessing the power of moving water. | The introduction of hydroelectric power was a significant innovation in the construction of the Jungfraujoch Station. |
| Reinforced Concrete | A type of building material that combines concrete with embedded steel reinforcement. | The Sphinx Observatory was constructed out of steel and reinforced concrete, allowing it to withstand the harsh alpine environment. |
| 3S System | A type of cable car system that uses two track ropes and one load-bearing cable. | The Aiger Express uses a 3S system, allowing for larger rope spans and fewer connection towers. |
| Infrared Energy | A type of electromagnetic radiation with a longer wavelength than visible light. | The high altitude of the Sphinx Observatory reduces the absorption of infrared energy, enabling scientists to detect faint objects. |
| Atmosphere Watch | A program that monitors and studies the Earth’s atmosphere. | The Sphinx Observatory participates in global programs like the atmosphere watch, contributing to our understanding of the Earth’s atmosphere. |
| Mountain Railway | A type of railway that operates in mountainous terrain. | The Jungfraujoch Station is part of the mountain railway network in Switzerland, providing access to the Sphinx Observatory. |
| Fast Lift | A type of elevator that operates at high speeds. | A fast lift was installed by Schindler’s engineers in the 1990s, allowing visitors to reach the top of the Sphinx Observatory quickly and easily. |
| Machine Room | A room that houses the machinery and equipment that operates a lift or elevator. | The machine room on top of the Sphinx Observatory controls the lift shaft, housing machines that can pull lift cars up 108m in 25 seconds. |
Watch The Video
Vocabulary Quiz
1. Which word means ‘a person who designs, builds, or repairs structures’ in the context of the Sphinx Observatory?
A) Scientist
B) Engineer
C) Tourist
D) Historian
2. What is the primary benefit of the Sphinx Observatory’s high altitude location?
A) Increased absorption of infrared energy
B) Thicker atmosphere for better protection
C) Reduced absorption of infrared energy, enabling detection of faint objects
D) Easier access for tourists
3. What significant innovation was introduced during the construction of the Yungfra railway tunnel?
A) Introduction of steam power
B) Use of advanced computer systems
C) Introduction of hydroelectric power
D) Development of new explosives
4. What type of system does the Aiger Express use, allowing for larger rope spans and fewer connection towers?
A) 2S system with one track rope and one load-bearing cable
B) 3S system with two track ropes and one load-bearing cable
C) 4S system with three track ropes and two load-bearing cables
D) 5S system with four track ropes and three load-bearing cables
5. What is the result of the new lift installation at the Sphinx Observatory, completed in recent developments?
A) Increased wait times for visitors
B) Reduced capacity, leading to longer queues
C) Elimination of long queues, making it a game-changer for the popular location
D) Decreased accessibility for tourists
Answer Key:
1. B
2. C
3. C
4. B
5. C
Grammar Focus
Grammar Focus: Using the Present Perfect Continuous Tense to Describe Ongoing Actions
Grammar Quiz:
1. The Sphinx Observatory ________ in the Swiss Alps since its construction in 1937.
- A) has been located
- B) is located
- C) was located
- D) will be located
2. By the time the Yungfra railway tunnel ________, it had taken 16 years to complete.
- A) was completed
- B) has been completed
- C) is being completed
- D) had been completed
3. The construction team ________ on the new lift installation for about a year before its completion.
- A) has been working
- B) was working
- C) is working
- D) had been working
4. Scientists ________ the Sphinx Observatory to study the atmosphere for many years.
- A) have been using
- B) are using
- C) were using
- D) will use
5. The Aiger Express ________ a 3S system with two track ropes and one load-bearing cable since its introduction.
- A) uses
- B) has used
- C) has been using
- D) is using
Answer Key:
1. A) has been located
2. A) was completed
3. A) had been working
4. A) have been using
5. C) has been using