Sunspot Solar Observatory in New Mexico to Be Demolished

Closure and demolition of the historic observatory sparks outrage from former residents and fans.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The U.S. National Science Foundation has announced the permanent closure and demolition of the Sunspot Solar Observatory near Cloudcroft, New Mexico, citing the high cost of repairs and safety risks. The decision has devastated former residents and fans who grew up visiting and working at the observatory, which has been a part of the community's history for decades.

Why it matters

The Sunspot Solar Observatory has been a hub for solar research and a source of inspiration for many, especially local residents who fondly remember visiting the observatory as children. Its closure and demolition represent the loss of an important scientific and cultural landmark in southeastern New Mexico.

The details

The NSF's decision to demolish the observatory follows a liquid mercury leak on the telescope platform. While the observatory was showing signs of age and obsolete science, many former employees and visitors are heartbroken over the loss of this historic site. The NSF says it considered the high repair costs and safety risks, but will contribute up to $100,000 toward an interpretive exhibit to preserve the observatory's legacy.

  • Earlier this week, the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) announced the permanent closure and demolition of the observatory.
  • The NSF's decision follows a liquid mercury leak on the telescope platform.

The players

U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)

The government agency that oversees the Sunspot Solar Observatory and has decided to permanently close and demolish the facility.

Rita Williamson-Fitzgerald

A former visitor to the observatory who was heartbroken by the news of its closure, as the observatory sparked her childhood dream of becoming a solar physicist.

Jackie Diehl-Alexander

A former employee of the observatory for almost 14 years, who described the news of the closure as "very heartbreaking" and acknowledged the observatory's signs of age and obsolete science.

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What they’re saying

“I was heartbroken. It's a big part of my childhood that is being destroyed.”

— Rita Williamson-Fitzgerald

“The news, quite frankly, was very heartbreaking.”

— Jackie Diehl-Alexander, former observatory employee

“The Dunn Solar Tower was showing obvious signs of age, and particularly signs of obsolete science.”

— Jackie Diehl-Alexander, former observatory employee

What’s next

The NSF says it will contribute up to $100,000 toward an interpretive exhibit and possibly signage to tell the story of the observatory after its demolition.

The takeaway

The closure and demolition of the Sunspot Solar Observatory represents the loss of an important scientific and cultural landmark in southeastern New Mexico, leaving a community devastated over the end of an era and the disappearance of a place that inspired many, especially local residents, throughout its decades-long history.