A Cultural Beacon for Taos
The Cielo Centro Observatory is more than just a place to gaze at the stars; it is a cultural landmark that connects us to the vast cosmos and enhances our understanding of the universe. With the largest operable public telescope in New Mexico, the observatory will provide our students, community members, and visitors a unique chance to explore thousands of celestial objects. This will foster a deeper appreciation for the universe and our place within it, allowing us to engage with the ideas and discoveries that have inspired humanity throughout history.

Embracing the Dark Sky Initiative
Our dark skies are a precious natural resource. Less than 1% of the population in the US and Europe can experience the true beauty of a night sky unspoiled by light pollution. At Cielo Centro Observatory, we are dedicated to preserving this wonder. By minimizing light pollution, we enhance the stargazing experience while conserving energy and protecting local wildlife and ecosystems.

Economic and Educational Value
The observatory is poised to become a significant educational hub for our community. It will provide hands-on learning experiences for K-12 students, college students, and the general public. Our goal is to increase the astronomy and physical science courses at UNM-Taos, create work-study opportunities for students, and expand learning collaborations with educational partners across New Mexico. Regular public viewing events and educational programs will inspire the next generation of scientists and astronomers right here in our community.

How You Can Help
There are two ways you can support the Cielo Centro Observatory project:

Vote on General Obligation Question 3 on your ballot. Supporting this initiative means backing construction projects for education throughout the state. The best part? It will not raise taxes.

Make a Direct Financial Gift to the project.
You can do this easily through the Lobos Thrive page at the UNM Foundation website.

The Cielo Centro Observatory stands as a testament to our commitment to education, cultural heritage, and environmental stewardship. We invite you to join us in celebrating the night sky and exploring the wonders of the universe. Together, we can ensure that future generations will continue to look up in awe and wonder at the stars.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to support our community and the future of astronomy in Taos.