Site Logo

Sunspot Solar Observatory

Staring at the Sun Since 1947

View of Sunspot Observatory.
Located in the heart of the scenic Lincoln National Forest, Sunspot Solar Observatory has been a premier facility for solar research since its establishment in 1947. The Dunn Solar Telescope (above), built in 1969, remains to date one of the best ground-based solar observatories in the world.

Visit The Observatory

Located at an altitude of 9200 ft in the scenic Lincoln National Forest, Sunspot Solar Observatory is home to gorgeous vistas, historical landmarks, and one of the largest active solar telescopes in the world.

About The Observatory

Learn about the history surrounding the observatory, its establishment in 1947, the various historic telescopes on the site, the community of Sunspot, and the future of the site as we move forward into the future.

The Road Into Sunspot

The Sunspot Scenic Byway is a picturesque drive in southern New Mexico, spanning around 15 miles and connecting the town of Cloudcroft to the Sunspot Solar Observatory. The byway is part of the Lincoln National Forest.