Answering/Using the Phone Cafe Reservations Emergency First Aid Entertainment Center Food Services Grounds Groups and Meetings Housing and Transportation Operations Support Staff Shipping and Receiving Shuttle Services Snow Removal Surrounding Area Visitor's Information
Housing reservations must be used to overnight at APO.
Please read and complete the reservation form in its entirety. Each individual must submit a request. Our database is unable to accept group reservations. You will receive confirmation for your reservation through e-mail or voice contact. Reservations are handled by the housing coordinator. Complete dormitory information is available.
Shuttle Services Information regarding the shuttle service between El Paso International Airport and Alamogordo, NM can be found by calling Alamo-El Paso Shuttle at (800) 872-2701. Taxi service is provided from Alamogordo to APO by Dollar Cab, call (575) 434-8881 for information or to arrange service. Cafe Lunch The Corona Cafe at Sunspot, formerly operated by the National Solar Observatory, closed on March 31, 2017, due to relocation of NSO staff. Groups and Meetings Our facilities can support meetings or groups from 2 - 25 people. If you would like to make arrangements, please contact Diana V. Torres with your request. You will receive written or verbal confirmation. Customs Border Patrol Check Stations The Customs Border Patrol operates check stations in the general region of APO. If you are not a citizen of the United States, please carry your passport for identification. Map and Directions to APO A map to APO from surrounding areas, includes El Paso, TX, Alamogordo, NM, and Las Cruces, NM. Written directions from the various locations can be found here. Parking Long term visitors (over 2 days) are requested to park their vehicles in the lower parking lot. Site Vehicles ARC vehicles are available for use by visitors. Please contact the Site Operations Manager to make arrangements.
Access to dormitories and other buildings without staff support is available. Contact the Site Operations Manager to make arrangements.
You must provide your own food. Supermarkets are available in surrounding areas.
There are limited restaurants in Cloudcroft, 35 miles roundtrip. Kitchens are available on site for your use.
The Corona Cafe at Sunspot, formerly operated by the National Solar Observatory, is closed as of March 31, 2017 due to relocation of NSO staff.
For instructions and assistance in using the APO phone system, please consult the APO Phone System information page.
Long distance access codes are not required.
Medical emergencies MUST be handled by calling 911, be sure to request Sunspot EMS.
Minor injuries can be treated on site. First aid cabinets are located in the Operations building's service area, Dormitory 4-9, and Support building.
Emergency eyewash stands are located on the ground floor of the 3.5-m enclosure, 3.5m Work Area in the Operations building, and Garage/Shop building. Additional safety and emergency information is available.
The system in the operations building includes:
Only the VCRs can be removed for use in other locations. Operating manuals are available online. APO subscribes to DishNetwork which is available in the operations building only. Please contact APO staff for instructions on how to use entertainment system.
Onsite summer thunderstorms produce close lightning strikes. Tall structures do not provide protection. During strong thunderstorm activity, remain inside.
The relief valve on the propane tank located between the Operations building and the Garage/Shop building occasionally bypasses a small amount of gas which may be detectable. If gas is detectable in any other area, immediately notify APO staff or contact Sunspot Fire Department by calling 911.
Wild animals and domestic cattle are often on the grounds. While generally not aggressive, if startled they may turn to defend themselves. Be especially wary of bears with cubs.
While traveling to APO, be aware that cell phone service is very limited. Cell phone service is available on site via a wireless connection and we also have landline phones available for your use. To connect to the Internet on site please utilize the networks labeled GUEST, GUEST5, or GUEST6 only, as they are open and not password protected.
Regular staff members are augmented by visiting engineers and astronomers. APO staff provide site support for:
Shipping Procedure
We are happy to schedule your package for shipment. However, PLEASE do the following before we ship the package for you: 1) Prepare the packaging or box for your item(s), 2) leave the package in the shipping/receiving area, and 3) notify Deanna and Diana V. by email that includes the shipping address, desired shipping method, number of packages, and whether the package pertains to a specific project or purpose.
If you are non-APO personnel or will be billing the shipping charges to the recipient or a 3rd party, please also provide your shipper number. Once all the necessary information is received, Deanna or Diana V. will create a shipping label and attach it to your package and have it ready for pickup. We will notify you of the tracking information by email.
Shipping Options
FedEx Express
Pickups are available daily but require that it be scheduled before 9:30am. If it is scheduled for pickup after that time it will be picked up the next business day.
FedEx Ground
Pickups are by request only. The package will be picked up the next business day from the day that it is scheduled.
UPS
REGULAR MAIL:
Place all outgoing mail in the designated mailbox in the operations building by 10:30 a.m. Stamps are available for purchase and are located above the outgoing mailbox, please place stamp money in small metal mailbox/coin holder. If you are having mail delivered to you at APO, please designate it in care of an APO staff member so we can ensure it gets to you and not returned to sender.
The observatory drive and parking areas are plowed by APO after the snow event stops. During snow events, please park all cars in the lower parking lot.
Observatory walkways are cleared by APO staff and visitors during daylight hours of operation. Watch for ice on walkways and in parking areas.
Visibility on the observatory drive can be reduced due to plowed snow on the shoulders. Snow and ice accummulate on the road surface, making the drive hazardous. Drive slowly and with caution.
