The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Announces Decision to Close Sunspot Solar Observatory

In the article here, NSF has announced the closure of the Sunspot Solar Observatory. It will remain closed to the public indefinitely.

Following the January 5, 2026 discovery of liquid mercury on the platform inside the Dunn Solar Telescope, and the subsequent indentification of a leak originating from the main bearing, the U.S. National Science Foundation has determined that the most prudent course of action is to completely drain and remove the mercury from the site as soon as possible. This action, while necessary for safety and environmental reasons, will render the DST inoperable. At this time, and through the remediation of the DST, the visitor's center will remain closed to the public for safety purposes.

In order to ensure the safety of all workers, personnel and the public, Sunspot Observatory (including the Dunn Solar Telescope, the Visitor Center, the surrounding areas, and local hiking trails) is CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC for the foreseeable future. We apologize for any inconvenience.

On the morning of January 5th, two NMSU staff members inside the Dunn Solar Telescope (DST) observed liquid mercury on the platform. Proper safety protocols were implemented immediately to ensure the safety of both on-site personnel. The DST, the surrounding observatory building, and visitor center will remain closed until further notice while appropriate remediation measures are implemented. There is no immediate concern for public or environmental safety, and the proper authorities have been notified.

The Sunspot Astronomy & Visitor Center

Your starting point to learning about everything you can see and do at the Observatory!

Plan Your Visit

+ − Visiting Hours

The Visitor Center and observatory grounds are currently closed to the public.

+ − Elevation, Weather, & Other Info

Sunspot Solar Observatory is located at an elevation of 9200 ft, so it is a good idea to pace yourself and stay hydrated if you are not accustomed to high elevations. Water is available in our visitor center, and benches are placed around the grounds if you need to take a rest.

The weather in Sunspot varies with the seasons and temperatures are typically 20-30 degrees cooler than in Alamogordo. Dress appropriately and bring layers of clothing.

While all pathways are paved and wheelchair accessible, our facilities require a moderate amount of standing and walking, sometimes on slight inclines. It is a good idea to wear comfortable walking shoes during your visit.

Cell phone service in our area is spotty to nonexistent with significant dead zones between Cloudcroft and Sunspot. Make sure to download driving directions. The Visitor Center does not provide public WiFi service in our facilities.

Fire is an enormous danger to life and property on this mountain. All smoking is prohibited while at Sunspot Solar Observatory, both indoors and outdoors.

+ − Gas, Food, & Camping

There is no gas station or restaurant at the observatory. Be sure to have a full tank of gas in your vehicle and bring a lunch/snack to enjoy on one of our picnic tables during your visit. There are snacks and drinks for sale in the Visitor Center during regular hours of operation.

There is no overnight parking or camping on Observatory property.

+ − Animals & Rocks

Please be on the alert for roaming wildlife and livestock both while driving and during your visit. Cattle range freely around NM 130 & NM 6563 and may cross the road in front of you. Rocks sometimes fall from mountain sides and can cause damage to your car.

Please be alert at all times and drive at or slower than the posted speed limit.

+ − Directions

Please note: If you are following directions from Google Maps, Apple Maps, GPS, etc., you may be directed to turn right from US 82 onto Karr Canyon Road. DO NOT DO THIS. Karr Canyon Road is an unmaintained, and sometimes impassable (due to fallen trees) dirt road. You SHOULD NOT drive on dirt to reach our site. There is a paved road the entire way.

+ − Gas, Food, & Camping

There is no overnight parking or camping on Observatory property.

Walking Audio Tour

Before you set out to discover Sunspot Solar Observatory, we recommend downloading our walking audio tour. You will love walking our grounds at your own pace while hearing the narrator highlight points of interest along the way! Our audio tour makes it much easier to immerse yourself in Sunspot's rich history.

Start by downloading the VoiceMap App. Enter the phrase “Sunspot Solar Observatory” and download the guide. The Sunspot audio tour is a walking route that allows you the freedom to explore the observatory at your own pace. You can start and stop whenever and wherever you like, for as long as you like. The App uses your GPS location to play audio automatically at exactly the right time and place, and it works offline.

We offer many educational programs, including tours of DST on the first weekend of every month.

Educational Programs

Guests can shop for Sunspot merchandise online now at our web store.

Shop

For any further questions you have concerning the visitor center, please visit this page.

FAQ's