National Solar and Apache Point Observatories, Sunspot, NM - Astronomical Observatories on Waymarking.com

National Solar Observatory, Sunspot Astronomy and Visitors Center and Apache Point Observatory all share the top of Sacremento Mountain.

The National Solar Observatory benefits from the use of cutting edge facilities to increase the knowledge of the sun. A major feature at this facility is the Dunn Solar Telescope, a 100 meter vacuum column telescope. The Observatory welcomes visitors during daylight hours, for self-guided tours using a brochure that is available free of charge. There are also regular guided tours on Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 2PM during the summer.
Link: www.nso.edu

The Apache Point Observatory is also located on this property and is used for nighttime observation.
Link: www.apo.nmsu.edu
Link (including webcams) (visit link)

The Sunspot Astonomy and Visitors Center, also located at Sacremento Peak, opened in July 1997 and is the collaboration between the USDA Forest Service, NSO/Sacremento Peak, Apache Point Obervatory.
Link: (visit link)


The dry air of Southwest New Mexico and isolation form any major source of air pollution and lots of year-round sunshine make the Sacremento Mountain in the Tularosa Basin overlooking Alamogordo and the White Sands National Monument an ideal location for observing the sun and the sky. The observatories are located at 9200 feet elevation. This site was first chosen in 1947.


Address:
National Solar Observatory
Sacramento Peak
P.O. Box 62
3004 Telescope Loop
Sunspot, NM 88349-0062
Phone (505) 434-7000
nsosp.nso.edu/


(visit link)

Observatory Purpose: Research Optical / Infrared Telescopes?: Yes Radio Telescopes?: Yes Solar Telescopes?: Yes Open to the Public?: Yes Is this a Club Observatory?: Yes Public Viewing Allowed?: Yes Active Observatory?: Active Number of Telescopes or Antennas: 10 to 15 Site URL: [Web Link] Year Dedicated or Opened: 1997 Altitude (meters): 2804

Visit Instructions:
Note the time of day of your visit, and your own photo of your favorite part of the observatory. This might be the view from the observatory, picture of your favorite building or favorite exhibit. (Be mindful of flash photography rules!)

If you participated in an observing session, let everyone know what you saw!

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log User Rating   09/15/2012 ornith visited it 09/17/2011 Queens Blessing visited it

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