Sunspot Closed Indefinitely; Bears Continue in Playoffs; Crinklaw in Antarctica; Meet Beth Merrell, and More
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Sunspot Solar Observatory Closed Indefinitely
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced it will proceed with demolition and site restoration at the Sunspot Solar Observatory. The decision follows years of reduced operations and a mercury spill that has kept the facility closed for more than seven weeks.
According to the Albuquerque Journal, on January 5, two New Mexico State University researchers working inside the tower housing the Richard B. Dunn Solar Telescope discovered an unspecified amount of liquid mercury that had leaked or spilled onto the telescope platform. Mercury is a neurotoxin, and safety protocols were implemented immediately.
The telescope, visitor center, hiking trails, and surrounding grounds have remained closed since, with no estimated reopening timeline given. Officials at the observatory have stated there is no threat to the public or the environment.
Per the NSF announcement:
“After assessing the engineering challenges, anticipated repair costs and safety and environmental risks, NSF determined that removing and safely disposing of the telescope’s mercury is the most prudent course of action. This process will render the Dunn Solar Telescope inoperable. Following remediation, NSF will move forward with demolishing the telescope and restoring the site.
Until the advent of the NSF Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope and other more advanced facilities, the Dunn Solar Telescope was central to the scientific exploration of the sun, enabling the study of sunspots, solar flares and the dynamics of the solar atmosphere. NSF is working with local stakeholders to develop an educational exhibit about the legacy and scientific contributions of the Dunn Solar Telescope and Sacramento Peak Observatory.”
According to NSF, the Dunn Solar Telescope was originally constructed by the U.S. Air Force in 1969. Its 250-ton optical system floated on 120 gallons of liquid mercury sealed within a bearing — a design that was state-of-the-art for its time. The Air Force transferred the facility to NSF in 1976.
The Reader will continue to follow developments on this story.
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Bears Basketball Team Advances in Playoffs
The Cloudcroft High School girls’ and boys’ basketball teams hosted the Capitan Tigers on Tuesday in district play.
The Lady Bears battled in a close contest, falling 53–49, ending a hard-fought season. The Bears boys’ team secured a 63–56 win over Capitan.
With the victory, the team advances and will travel to Mescalero on Thursday to continue in the playoffs.
Go Bears!
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