TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - With no end in sight for the government shutdown, the last reserves of money are running out for the Smithsonian Museums.
The Whipple Observatory on Friday made its grand opening, but if you didn’t make it before 3 p.m., there’s no telling when the doors will open again.
For three months, the Smithsonian Museum in southern Pima County has been closed because of the lightning and rain monsoon brings.
“Imagine having to use Windex on a 6.5-meter or a 24-foot mirror,” Whipple Observatory Public Affairs Officer Amy Oliver said. “That’s not something we can do here.”
Just for Friday, visitors were able to see the telescopes and interactive displays before they shut down again, without the federal funds they need to keep going.
“We knew this was going to be our ope