Update 9/20/18: According to recently unsealed FBI documents, the investigation was directed at a janitor of the facility who allegedly downloaded and shared child pornography using the observatory's wireless internet.

Original Post: For the past two weeks, an observatory in New Mexico has drawn worldwide attention, but not because of its research. Since September 6, the Sunspot Solar Observatory has been closed and evacuated for mysterious reasons, with FBI agents and a Blackhawk helicopter seen patrolling the site.

Both the FBI and the agency that manages the observatory, the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), refused to comment on the nature of the shutdown at the time, beyond saying it was a "security issue." Due to the scientific nature of the facility, speculation ranged from the first detection of alien life to some covert operation.

Finally, AURA has released a statement clarifying, in part, the reason for the closure. And while it's less exciting than the most outlandish theories, at least it's an answer. According to the organization, the observatory was closed due to “criminal activity” on the premises. From a press release:

“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.”

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AURA also gives an answer for why it was so tight-lipped, even though no aliens were involved:

“We recognize that the lack of communications while the facility was vacated was concerning and frustrating for some. 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.”

According to the release, the emergency is over and the observatory is re-opening later this week.

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