My question is, what do they have at Holloman AFB? Google maps shows F4 phantoms ... hardly interesting
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.
Quote from: freddo411 on 09/16/2018 05:26 amMy question is, what do they have at Holloman AFB? Google maps shows F4 phantoms ... hardly interestingUAVs (Predators and Reapers). That could be interesting. The F-4 are target drones. There are also some T-38s.
Also, if it had something to do with military secrets, the CIA would be involved, not the FBI (I'd think)
An update on the story: http://www.foxnews.com/science/2018/09/16/new-mexico-observatory-closed-for-security-issue-to-reopen.htmlInteresting quotes "The Sunspot Solar Observatory no longer faces a security threat to staff""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," the association said.
Officials have explained the mysterious closure of a New Mexico observatory earlier this month, saying they were investigating one of the facility's janitors for possession and distribution of child pornography.
The FBI says it closed the observatory in case the suspect posed a danger to other employees. The observatory reopened on Monday.