Sunspot Solar Observatory
Staring At The Sun Since 1947

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.
Research At Sunspot
Learn about the unique, state-of-the-art instruments used to study the Sun, contributed by universities all around the world. The unique telescope design allows for a high degree of flexibility in the instrumental use and setup.