The association also for the first time provided some details about why the observatory had to be closed, saying in a statement that officials had been cooperating with an inquiry of criminal activity in the area and “became concerned that a suspect in the investigation potentially posed a threat to the safety of local staff and residents.”

The sudden evacuation of the National Solar Observatory in Sunspot, N.M., on Sept. 6 had spawned online speculation, fueled by authorities’ reluctance to provide any information about why the facility was closed.

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The local sheriff and those tasked with guarding the observatory after the closure said that even they had been kept in the dark. FBI agents — who were on the scene during the evacuation — declined to say anything. Internet sleuths wondered whether researchers had spotted something extraterrestrial, or whether the solar telescope at the site had possibly been hacked to spy on a nearby missile testing range.

Roswell, N.M. — where the 1947 crash of a flying object sparked so much interest that the city is now home to a UFO museum — is only about a 2½ -hour drive from the observatory.

The association’s statement did not offer details about the nature of the criminal investigation, the suspect or the developments that led officials to conclude that there was no longer a risk. The association said it was working with a security service, in part because it expected more visitors in light of the mysterious closure. The site is normally open to the public.

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“We recognize that the lack of communications while the facility was vacated was concerning and frustrating for some,” the association said. “However, our desire to provide additional information had to be balanced against the risk that, if spread at the time, the news would alert the suspect and impede the law enforcement investigation. That was a risk we could not take.”

An FBI spokeswoman declined to comment, and a spokeswoman for the association did not return messages seeking comment Sunday night. Otero County Sheriff Benny House said Sunday evening that he had not been told why the facility was closed, and was not aware of an investigation in the area or a person who might pose a threat.

“I know absolutely nothing about what they’re talking about. They have not talked to us,” House said. “If there’s a threat, I think I should know. I’m pretty disappointed.”

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