Sunspot Solar Observatory set for demolition, site restoration

The discovery of liquid mercury inside an observatory known for its many scientific discoveries has forced its permanent shutdown.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) announced in a news release Tuesday it would proceed with the demolition of the Sunspot Solar Observatory, located in Sunspot in southern New Mexico, "following years of reduced operations and in light of recent safety concerns."

In early January, liquid mercury was found on the platform inside the tower housing the Dunn Solar Telescope, forcing the closure of the observatory and the visitor center. The telescope rotates on 160 gallons of liquid mercury sealed within a bearing, and the NSF said the first course of action would be the mercury's removal.

While the source of the leak was not identified, the NSF determined that removing and disposing of the mercury would be best. However, the process will render the telescope inoperable, and NSF has decided to move forward with demolishing and restoring the site, including associated residential and support buildings. 

"Upon notification of the release, the Forest Service requested that NSF remove all mercury and remediate the site," the NSF said.

The agency declined to comment on the observatory's closure and sent a link to an official statement on the matter. 

The Journal reached out to the head of the astronomy department at New Mexico State University, which handles the facility operations. The department head said NSF would have statements to provide, but NSF did not respond to requests for the statement. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service manages the land where the observatory sits. Additionally, NSF said engineering challenges and anticipated repair costs, along with environmental risks, added to the decision to dispose of the mercury.

"This decision is based on several factors, including the need to reduce NSF funding for the Sacramento Peak Observatory, lack of a viable long-term partner for funding the operation of the facility, the environmental and safety risks of retaining mercury within an aging structure and consideration of environmental impacts and measures to mitigate them," NSF wrote in the statement.

The NSF said it has been attempting to "identify interested parties willing to assume responsibility for long-term operations" but stated no parties have attempted to provide plans or financial support for the telescope and observatory, according to the letter.

The letter also outlines plans for demolition, including seasonal restrictions to avoid demolition work between March and September when Mexican spotted owls and northern goshawks may be breeding, biological surveys to identify salamander and chipmunk burrows and the contribution of $100,000 toward an interpretive exhibit or signage to tell the story of the observatory.

The Dunn Solar Telescope was constructed by the Air Force in 1969 before ownership was transferred to the NSF. Sometime later, the facilities operations were handled by New Mexico State University and have been since. 

According to NSF, the telescope was paramount to scientific explorations of the sun, studying sunspots and solar flares and the dynamics of the solar atmosphere. 

Nakayla McClelland covers crime and breaking news. Reach her at nmcclelland@abqjournal.com or at 505-823-3857.