sensor or other device on hood latch

i had to remove/repair my hood latch (cable broke) on my 2008. there is a 2-wire sensor or similar device mounted to the latch. what is its purpose? i broke the wires to it - yet see no evidence that any system ceased to work as a result. i want to make sure it isn't something critical. thanks

 

thank you Patrick - i also suspected this and checked the outside temp reading. its 32 degrees in Boston this morning and that is what the reading says. it could be a coincidence, of course, with 32 being 0*C... Since it apparently was not the temp sensor I thought i would ask the forum...

 

there is no mechanical connection or association with the latch mechanism... don't think it is a switch. this device is simply mounted to the latch frame. nothing aftermarket on the car, either. It could be a terminated connector block (though a bit unusual looking) for diagnostics or some unused accessory. there are two wires going to it. thanks for your thoughts

terrible picture, but this thing is obscured when the latch is installed:

http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff419/tomctomc/hoodconnector.jpg

the device is in the exact center of the picture, what appears to be one white cylinder stacked on another (sort of look like cigarette butts)

 

thanks - i arrived at the same conclusion. there is no mechanical interface with the latch, so its either a magnetic switch as you suggest or it is a connector which has terminated without any connection at all. in any case, i can confirm that the wires which have been cut and taped off have not caused any loss of functionality in the car at all..