Scientist Labeling Specimens at Desert Field Station

Bright midmorning sunlight floods the dusty interior of a metal field station trailer near Isfahan, illuminating rows of labeled specimen envelopes stacked on a folding table. A scientist in a light jacket leans over the work surface, writing with a fine-point pen. Outside the open door, the flat arid landscape stretches toward a vanishing point where weather balloon launch equipment stands exposed to the wind. Salt deposits crust the lower edges of the metal siding and the rims of nearby canisters. The cool season air keeps the light sharp and the shadows short. Dust motes hang suspended in the beams of light falling across the table. A small pile of empty plastic bags rests near the corner of the workspace.