SUNSPOT, N.M. – The National Science Foundation and the U.S Forest Service are pressing ahead with plans to demolish the Dunn Solar Telescope at Sacramento Peak Observatory, with work starting in fiscal year 2027.
Earlier this year, the feds announced plans to demolish the site after liquid mercury was discovered on a platform inside the Dunn Solar Telescope.
The NSF said its engineering and hazardous materials contractors determined that complete demolition is the safest and most efficient path to full remediation of the site.
Proposed schedule
The NSF said the schedule calls for scaffolding around the Dunn Solar Telescope in the first quarter of FY 2027, followed by removal of the concrete structure from the top down.
Crews plan to remove concrete and interior structures of the Dunn Solar Telescope in the second quarter of FY 2027, with complete demolition to ground level.
Currently, a regulated materials assessment is underway to identify lead-based paint, asbestos, mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls inside the structure. The NSF said the results will guide how the agency works with the New Mexico Environment Department to dispose of the materials.
The future of the site
Beyond the iconic Dunn Solar Telescope, the NSF said it plans to demolish the remaining observatory structures and restore the site in two phases after its earlier decision to end agency-funded astronomy operations there.
The NSF said it committed up to $100,000 for an interpretive exhibit and or signage to preserve the observatory’s contributions to solar science. The NSF also said it is working with New Mexico State University and other local and regional partners to transfer significant scientific artifacts for preservation and public display.
As restoration moves forward, the Forest Service said it will explore future uses for the site to honor its legacy.
The Lincoln National Forest invites community members to email ReImagineSunspotNM@usda.gov for updates.
Supporters still hope to preserve the site
Ever since news of the potential demolition became public, community members have rallied to try to save the observatory and as many buildings on the site as possible.
One group, Friends of Sunspot, has organized a resource page to fight the demolition process.
Rick St. Hilaire, a New Hampshire-based attorney, made a post on Facebook last month stating he filed a formal objection to the NSF asking that the demolition of the site be paused while NSF and the New Mexico State Historic Preservation Officer take another look.
Last month, St. Hilaire said the NSF told him his objection would be “considered through the dispute resolution process established by the Programmatic Agreement before any demolition beyond that required for mercury remediation occurs.”
Apache Point Observatory
The NSF said it is working with neighboring Apache Point Observatory, operated with New Mexico State University, to discuss issues related to the shared water system with the Sacramento Peak Observatory.
