Save the Sunspot Observatory | Santa Fe News

A historic solar observatory in New Mexico, nearly 80 years old and pivotal to solar science, faces demolition after a mercury spill forced closure. The National Science Foundation plans to tear it down, returning the land to the Forest Service, but a passionate coalition of locals, former staff, and lawmakers are rallying to save it—calling it a “Project Hail Mary.” They propose repurposing the site for education and recreation, demanding a pause to explore alternatives before wrecking balls arrive. While the NSF insists demolition follows environmental protocols and no viable preservation plans exist, they acknowledge the site’s scientific and cultural value. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/7e794e68f80292ee