A few days ago, it was reported that the Sunspot Solar Observatory in New Mexico was closed on September 6, and the reason was not revealed, leaving many to speculate.
We pointed out that the timing of the “security issue” which caused the closure was odd, considering the sun’s current activity as it heads into its solar minimum cycle.
But the “official” reason for the closure is far more sinister, as KTSM.com reports:
A federal search warrant reveals that Sunspot Solar Observatory was shut down as FBI agents conducted computer forensic searches for child pornography.
The source of child pornography was traced to an IP address used at the observatory and a source within the building observed a computer with “not good” images on it, the warrant states.
The warrant also states that the suspect used the observatory’s WiFi and a personal laptop to download the images.
