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SunSpot Solar Observatory
Were you aware that New Mexico is home to a premier facility for solar observation and research in the Sacramento Mountains? Did you know that that facility was established in 1947 and is still operational? Well, New Mexico is and that facility, which was started by the US Air Force, is the Sunspot Solar Observatory.
On Friday, Sept 5th, HDARC members ventured to Alamogordo in preparation for a Saturday visit to the Solar Observatory in Sunspot, NM. An informal get together was held that night at Pizza Patio in Alamogordo. Some of those in attendance were Mike Smith (KI5NBP), David (N6SIK) & Becky (N6TYT) Ham, Ken Ham (AG5UY), Marc Matheson (KD6KR), Rob (K5NBN) & Elaine (KJ5ME) Summerhill.
Bright & early Saturday morning, we wandered the 30 or so miles along mountain roads with outstanding vistas to Sunspot. Several people set up radio stations. We had a blast!
Thanks to Marc’s efforts, the HDARC members and guests were treated to a presentation by Dr Sean G Sellers about various solar events, how they can affect radio transmissions, and the history of the Richard B Dunn Solar Telescope. It was a fascinating presentation and many questions were asked, so many that the presentation, according to Dr Sellers, went overtime. He was very obliging.
After the presentation, we were treated to an actual visit to the telescope and its inner workings. He explained and demonstrated how the telescope tube, optical lab, and instruments are connected as a single freely-rotating platform that weighs 350 tons and floats on greater than 120 gallons of liquid mercury.
It was a great experience. Sadly for us, we learned that Dr Sellers is leaving his post at the Observatory to take a position in Bern Switzerland for the next 2 years. We wish him all the best!
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