The mission of the National Solar Observatory is to advance knowledge of the Sun, both as an astronomical object and as the dominant external influence on Earth, by providing forefront observational opportunities to the research community. The mission includes the operation of cutting edge facilities, the continued development of advanced instrumentation both in-house and through partnerships, conducting solar research, and educational and public outreach.
The National Solar Observatory operates facilities at two locations. One at Sacramento Peak near Sunspot in New Mexico, and the other at Kitt Peak in Arizona.
A major feature of the Dunn Solar Telescope at Sacramento Peak is a de-rotated 100 meter vacuum column.
Read more about National Solar Observatory: Visiting The Observatories, History
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“Senta: These boats, sir, what are they for?
Hamar: They are solar boats for Pharaoh to use after his death. They’re the means by which Pharaoh will journey across the skies with the sun, with the god Horus. Each day they will sail from east to west, and each night Pharaoh will return to the east by the river which runs underneath the earth.”
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“Where there is an observatory and a telescope, we expect that any eyes will see new worlds at once.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)