A new impact study commissioned by UNM-Taos highlights the significant educational, economic, and community benefits of the proposed Cielo Centro Observatory, a cornerstone of our broader Cielo Centro (Sky Center) project.
Conducted by UNM’s Bureau of Business & Economic Research (BBER), the October 2025 study evaluates the social, financial, and environmental impacts of constructing a dedicated roll-off roof observatory at Klauer. The facility will house a powerful 36-inch Dobsonian telescope, generously gifted by the King and Oglesbee families, offering students, residents, and visitors a rare opportunity to observe celestial objects millions of light-years away.
According to the report, the observatory has the potential to transform STEM education in Northern New Mexico while positioning UNM-Taos as a regional hub for astrotourism, workforce development, and community engagement.
Klauer Campus, an ideal observatory location
Located at nearly 7,000 feet in New Mexico’s high desert, Taos offers exceptional conditions for stargazing. Surrounded by natural mountain barriers near the historic Taos Pueblo, the area is naturally shielded from significant light pollution, preserving clear, night skies. Studies show that light pollution levels in Taos and Taos County remain well below harmful thresholds, even near urban areas.
Taos also benefits from consistently clean air and clear weather. Over the past seven years, air quality has been rated “good” for most of the year, and skies have been clear or mostly clear more than 80 percent of the time. Together, these conditions make UNM‑Taos an ideal location for the Cielo Centro Observatory and position the region as a leader in dark sky conservation and astrotourism in New Mexico.
Expanding access to hands-on STEM learning
The study emphasizes the observatory’s role in expanding access to immersive, hands-on science education—particularly for rural and underserved communities. UNM-Taos serves Taos and Colfax counties, which together include 23 PreK-12 schools serving more than 3,400 students. Many students in these areas have limited access to advanced scientific equipment and experiential STEM learning.
By turning the night sky into a classroom, the Cielo Centro Observatory would support students at every level—from guided sky tours for younger learners to advanced research, data collection, and mentorship opportunities for middle school, high school, and college students.
Supporting career pathways and workforce development
In addition to academic enrichment, the observatory would strengthen workforce development by helping students build technical skills in astronomy, instrumentation, and data analysis. The study notes opportunities for internships, mentored research, and collaboration with STEM professionals—experiences that prepare students for careers in science, technology, and the growing space economy.
The report also points to the potential development of a Southwest Regional Space-STEM Consortium, which would connect underserved students with professional and technical opportunities while sharing resources among regional institutions.
Economic and tourism impacts
BBER estimates that construction of the observatory would generate 46 temporary jobs, nearly $2.6 million in labor income, and approximately $8.5 million in total economic output.
Once operational, the observatory is expected to attract about 4,000 visitors annually, generating more than $550,000 in local visitor spending and supporting ongoing jobs in Taos County. These expenditures would also produce positive fiscal impacts through local tax revenues that support public services such as education, infrastructure, and public safety.
By tapping into astrotourism, one of the fastest-growing tourism segments nationwide, the observatory aligns with the New Mexico Tourism Department’s efforts to promote the state’s world-class dark skies through the New Mexico True campaign.
Environmental stewardship and community engagement
Beyond its educational and economic benefits, the observatory promotes environmental stewardship through dark-sky preservation and night-sky awareness. Public programming and community events would help foster scientific literacy, inspire curiosity, and strengthen connections between people, culture, and the natural world.
Advancing UNM-Taos’s mission
The study concludes that the Cielo Centro Observatory strongly supports UNM-Taos’s strategic goals in student experience and educational innovation, inclusive excellence and community engagement, and sustainable community development.
“The Cielo Centro Observatory represents an investment in people, place, and possibility,” the report notes, positioning UNM-Taos to expand opportunity, diversify the local economy, and inspire future generations.