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posted by martyb on Monday September 17 2018, @03:27PM   Printer-friendly
from the Why-couldn't-they-say-that-before? dept.

On September 6th, the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) made the decision to temporarily vacate the Sunspot Solar Observatory at Sacramento Peak, New Mexico as a precautionary measure while addressing a security issue. The facility closed down in an orderly fashion and is now re-opening. The residents that vacated their homes will be returning to the site, and all employees will return to work this week.

AURA has been cooperating with an on-going law enforcement investigation of criminal activity that occurred at Sacramento Peak. During this time, we became concerned that a suspect in the investigation potentially posed a threat to the safety of local staff and residents. For this reason, AURA temporarily vacated the facility and ceased science activities at this location.

The decision to vacate was based on the logistical challenges associated with protecting personnel at such a remote location, and the need for expeditious response to the potential threat. AURA determined that moving the small number of on-site staff and residents off the mountain was the most prudent and effective action to ensure their safety.

http://www.aura-astronomy.org/news/news.asp?newsID=389


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  • (Score: 3, Interesting) by captain normal on Tuesday September 18 2018, @03:24AM

    by captain normal (2205) on Tuesday September 18 2018, @03:24AM (#736366)

    I actually did a bit of Google Fu searching for "Sunspot Solar Observatory at Sacramento Peak, New Mexico". The only thing I noted there other than the usual "unknown goings on" was a couple of posts on a Trip Adviser article that mentioned a recent change in management. Seems that in July NMSU took over the facility. So maybe some employee got upset over the change and threatened to go all Las Vegas Shooter on everyone there or blow up the place.

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