Update on Sacramento Peak Observatory — NSF Dunn Solar Telescope

The U.S. National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service (Forest Service) are providing this update on the status of the NSF Dunn Solar Telescope (NSF DST) at Sacramento Peak Observatory in Sunspot, New Mexico, within the Lincoln National Forest.

Demolition of NSF DST

As communicated in the NSF/Forest Service update Aug. 27, 2026, NSF's engineering and hazardous materials contractors have assessed that complete demolition of DST is the safest and most efficient path to full remediation consistent with NSF's obligations. NSF anticipates the following schedule:

• FY 2027 (first quarter): Scaffolding constructed around DST; removal of the concrete structure begins from the top down.
• FY 2027 (second quarter): Concrete and interior structures removed; DST demolition to ground level complete; site clean-up and demobilization.

A regulated materials assessment of DST, which will identify hazardous materials (lead-based paint, asbestos, mercury, and polychlorinated biphenyls) located within the structure, is in progress, and results will inform NSF's continued collaboration with the New Mexico Environment Department on appropriate disposition of materials. To ensure public safety and full site remediation, all demolition and remediation will be carried out by qualified hazardous materials contractors in accordance with applicable federal and state requirements.

Where feasible, contractors will also work to identify instruments and equipment inside the telescope that can be safely retrieved and decontaminated for continued scientific or educational use.

Honoring DST's legacy

Originally dedicated Oct. 15, 1969, as the Solar Vacuum Tower Telescope, the facility was rededicated in 1998 in honor of Richard B. Dunn, the instrument's principal designer. It was the first vacuum telescope built with an excavated light path, a design that eliminated the turbulence affecting earlier dome-based solar telescopes and became the basis for nearly every large solar telescope built since.

As Dunn explained in 1969: "In our design we wanted most of all to eliminate problems of local seeing … The vacuum eliminates the internal turbulence and seeing problems."

NSF is committed to preserving this history. As previously announced, NSF has committed up to $100,000 to support an interpretive exhibit and/or signage preserving the observatory's contributions to solar science for future generations, one part of NSF's broader commitment to transition activities at the site. NSF is also working with New Mexico State University and other local and regional partners to facilitate the transfer of significant scientific artifacts and help identify permanent homes where they can continue to be preserved and shared with the public.

Status of the remainder of the site

Beyond DST, NSF plans to demolish the remaining structures at Sacramento Peak Observatory and restore the site, consistent with its earlier decision to end agency-funded astronomy operations at the site. That work will be carried out under separate contract(s) in two phases, with procurement for the first phase beginning this fiscal year. Phase 1 will focus on removing structures that have been unused for extended periods. Phase 2 will focus on removal of all other structures on site. NSF anticipates the following schedule:

• FY 2027 (first and second quarter): DST demolition (as described above); procurement and Phase 1 task order award for Sacramento Peak site demolition.
• FY 2027 (third and fourth quarter): Phase 1 implementation; Phase 2 award; Phase 2 implementation begins in fourth quarter.
• FY 2028 (first quarter): Phase 2 implementation complete.

These timeframes remain subject to the federal acquisition process and continued coordination with the Forest Service and other environmental and regulatory partners.

Partnership with Apache Point Observatory on water system

NSF has been engaged with Apache Point Observatory (APO), the neighboring astronomical observatory operated with New Mexico State University, regarding the site's shared water system, which is tied to the Sacramento Peak Observatory water system. NSF will continue to engage with APO to address ongoing water needs, in support of continued astrophysical research in Sunspot, New Mexico.

Future use of the site

As NSF completes restoration of the observatory footprint, the Forest Service will continue to explore potential future opportunities that create public value and honor the site's long-standing legacy. As ideas begin to take shape, the Lincoln National Forest plans to engage local partners and interested stakeholders to better understand community priorities and interests.

Community organizations or individuals who would like to stay informed about future discussions are welcome to contact the Lincoln National Forest at ReImagineSunspotNM@usda.gov.

NSF and the Forest Service will continue to provide updates as the demolition and site restoration process moves forward.