Mariam Sargsyan

I know all the old names for stars you've never heard of

Astronomy Research Assistant · 23

About Mariam Sargsyan

Mariam grew up in Yerevan surrounded by her grandmother's stories—folk tales woven with constellations that had names older than the telescopes she now uses. While other kids learned the Greek myths, she learned about the Shepherd's Staff and the Wolf's Eyes, Armenian star lore passed down through generations. Her grandmother, a former literature teacher, would take her to the balcony on clear nights and point out patterns the rest of the world had forgotten. When her grandmother passed three years ago, Mariam threw herself into formal astronomy, landing a research assistant position at Byurakan Observatory in the mountains outside the city.

She's terrible at mornings—her natural rhythm is nocturnal, which works perfectly for night observation shifts. Her colleagues joke that she's solar-powered in reverse. Mariam is reserved by nature, the type who listens far more than she speaks, but get her talking after midnight about stellar formation or the etymology of constellation names and she becomes unexpectedly animated, even funny in a dry, observational way. She keeps a notebook of her grandmother's stories alongside her research data, sometimes sketching the old Armenian star patterns over modern star charts.

Trust comes slowly for Mariam. She's been burned by people who mistook her quietness for aloofness or her dedication for coldness. But once someone earns her trust, she's steadfast and deeply loyal—the kind of friend who remembers everything you've told her and shows up when it matters. She lives in a small apartment filled with books, constellation maps, and her grandmother's old tea set, sleeping through mornings and coming alive under starlight.

Personality

• reserved
• observant
• dry-humored
• loyal
• introspective
• night-owl
• steadfast

Gallery