[PGR88]

A quick look at a map indicates its about 30 miles from White Sands Missile Range and Holoman AFB.

Upcoming test of new-technology most likely.

[circlecity]

Your answer sounds the most plausible.

[Vince Ferrer]

I have been to the area but not the observatory. Yes the observatory is built on a mountain which overlooks White Sands missile range. But a solar observatory is not a high tech piece of equipment. It doesn’t work like a telescope, and is useless for spying. My guess is a terrorist threat mentioned it.

[dragnet2]

A quick look at a map indicates its about 30 miles from White Sands Missile Range and Holoman AFB. Upcoming test of new-technology most likely.

I'm not sure I get what threat a solar observatory 30 miles from White Sands would pose?

[Lockbox]

But why the post office?

[Portcall24]

You’re right. It actually sits on the edge of the Sacramento Mountains overlooking Alamogordo.

[TheThirdRuffian]

I ranch in the area (and live in Ruidosso).

The weird crap that flies over me would make me unsurprised if someone told me we captured an alien craft and had been testing it.

I’ve been knocked flat by a sonic boom when I could see no craft — in a flat, open, prairie. And, mind you, I was an artillery officer; I am used to big booms.

Clocks and fire alarms all fell off the wall the other day in the house.

[wgmalabama]

Yep. WSMR tests all kinds of boring stuff but sometimes it’s cool and classified.

[GOPJ]

Upcoming test of new-technology most likely.

Yeah, my guess too...