Things to consider about the solar observatory being shut down: three theories
Possibly Chinese students were the main observers...and possibly they were gathering and sending intel via the powerful antennas there? The first day, one of the first things the Fibbies did was work on the antenna array.
Possibly one can see White Sands Proving Grounds from there.
Hella sunspots going on, supposedly a YUGE one. Danger, Will Robinson, Danger!
I'm not buying the kiddie porn excuse...that seems like the raison de'etre; the cover story, for a lot of hinky stuff.
Don't think so, more like zero - http://www.spaceweather.com/