What Is Area 51?

Quck answer

Area 51 is a highly classified United States Air Force facility located in Nevada. It is known for its secrecy and conspiracy theories. The purpose of Area 51 is not officially disclosed, but it is believed to be a site for testing and development of experimental aircraft and weapons systems. The area has been associated with UFO sightings and extraterrestrial activities, leading to numerous conspiracy theories about alien technology and cover-ups. Despite its mysterious nature, Area 51 remains off-limits to the public, making it a subject of fascination and speculation.

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Have you ever visited Las Vegas, Nevada? The dazzling lights of the bustling city attract many individuals. However, some people are more intrigued by the mysterious secrets hidden in the deserts surrounding the city. For miles and miles, all you can see are empty roads and vast ranches. In numerous parts of the region, it appears that there is nothing but dirt and sand in every direction.

Nevertheless, appearances can be deceiving. Somewhere in the desert, there is an unmarked dirt road covered in dust. This road leads to a place known as Groom Lake. However, long before reaching this landmark, you will encounter a series of intimidating warning signs. These signs make it clear that you have reached the end of the road.

What lies beyond these warning signs? Surveillance cameras, security guards, and several more miles of road. They all lead to one of the most enigmatic places in the United States: Area 51.

For more than 50 years, no other location in America has been the subject of as many myths and legends as Area 51. Does it really exist? Is it a highly classified military base? Does it house the bodies and spacecraft of extraterrestrial beings that have visited the U.S.?

The answers to these questions are yes, yes, and no, respectively. Area 51 is indeed a highly classified military facility that remains operational to this day. However, contrary to numerous urban legends, it has nothing to do with aliens or unidentified flying objects (UFOs).

Nevertheless, it is easy to understand how these myths originated. Area 51 was constructed in 1955 as part of the much larger Nevada Test and Training Range complex. It was built in a valley surrounded by mountains that are off-limits to the general public. It is also situated next to Groom Lake, a large, dry lake bed that is ideal as a runway for large aircraft.

Area 51 was established as a testing facility for a highly classified aircraft. This aircraft is now known as the U-2 Spy Plane. It was capable of conducting special spy missions at altitudes of 60,000 feet or higher, which was much higher than other planes at that time. Typically, planes flew at altitudes between 10,000 and 20,000 feet.

Soon, people began to spot the U-2 Spy Plane at these high altitudes. Many individuals, including commercial and military pilots, were naturally perplexed. The plane’s development was top-secret, and sightings were rare. However, those who did catch a glimpse of the plane from a distance could easily have mistaken it for an aircraft from another world!

This is how the myths about UFOs and aliens started to circulate. In fact, many of these myths appeared to have credible sources. After all, why would commercial and military pilots fabricate false stories? The government did not discourage these rumors. It preferred to divert the public’s attention towards something fictional – aliens and UFOs – instead of revealing what was truly happening at Area 51.

An interesting tourist industry centered around aliens developed around Area 51. Nevada even renamed the highway that leads to Area 51 (State Route 375) the Extraterrestrial Highway. People who are interested in UFOs and aliens frequently drive along this highway. They hope to catch a glimpse of peculiar creatures or spacecraft in the sky.

It is unlikely that these individuals will witness extraterrestrial beings or unidentified flying objects (UFOs). However, they may catch a glimpse of other aircraft undergoing testing at Area 51. In addition to the U-2 Spy Plane, several other aircraft have been tested there, including the A-12 “Blackbird,” the F-117 Stealth Fighter, and the B-2 Stealth Bomber.

What is currently happening at Area 51 remains a mystery. It continues to operate as a highly classified testing facility that the government strictly prohibits the public from approaching. The closest one can drive to Area 51 still leaves them approximately 15 miles away. The airspace above the base is restricted and forms a rectangular area covering 575 square miles. And that is just Area 51.

The entire Nevada Test and Training Range spans over 5,200 square miles of land located north of Las Vegas. Within its boundaries, the Nevada Test Site covers an area of over 1,600 square miles. Certain parts of this region are still contaminated with radiation from nuclear bomb testing.

How did Area 51 acquire its name? It originated from old maps of the Nevada Test Site where the area around Groom Lake was labeled as Area 51. When the U-2 Spy Plane project commenced, this area was referred to as Paradise Ranch, an effort to attract workers to the project. Today, Area 51 seems to be known as the National Classified Test Facility.

In 2013, the U.S. government disclosed a significant amount of information regarding the history of Area 51. However, conspiracy theories persist and continue to spread. What are your thoughts on Area 51? Is it simply a secretive military base or does it have connections to extraterrestrial life? Although this theory appears unlikely, many still believe it to be true.

Give It a Try

Are you ready to explore Area 51? Make sure to engage in the following activities with a friend or family member:

• If you want to conduct your own research on Area 51, create a list of questions you still have and seek assistance from an adult to assist you in your research. Make sure to rely only on trustworthy sources, as there is plenty of information out there based on conspiracy theories. Once you’re done, discuss what you have learned.
• What do you believe is truly occurring at Area 51 today? Are they developing new highly classified military aircraft? Or could they be in the early stages of testing a new interplanetary vehicle? Is it possible that aliens are landing in Area 51 to collaborate with humans on new technology? Write a short story about what you think the individuals and/or aliens at Area 51 are currently involved in. Use your imagination and enjoy!
• Area 51 is still in operation today and continues to expand. How do we know? Satellite imagery! Watch the online video “Area 51 Aerial Time Lapse Shows How the Secretive Location Has Grown” to observe a time-lapse sequence created using Google Earth that reveals the growth of Area 51 over the past few decades. What are your thoughts on what is happening there now? Discuss with a friend or family member.

Sources of Wonder

• https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/8/130816-area-51-space-ufos-nevada-cia-declassified/ (accessed 10 Sept. 2020)
• http://science.howstuffworks.com/space/aliens-ufos/area-51.htm (accessed 10 Sept. 2020)
• https://www.britannica.com/place/Area-51 (accessed 10 Sept. 2020)

FAQ

1. What is Area 51?

Area 51 is a highly classified United States Air Force facility located in the Nevada Test and Training Range. It is a remote detachment of Edwards Air Force Base and is known for its secrecy and association with UFO conspiracy theories. The exact purpose of Area 51 is still classified, but it is believed to be a testing site for experimental aircraft and weapons systems.

2. Why is Area 51 so secretive?

Area 51 is secretive mainly because it is a classified military facility. The United States government has never officially acknowledged its existence until 2013. The secrecy is necessary to protect national security and prevent the disclosure of sensitive information related to defense technologies and operations. The presence of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) sightings near Area 51 has also contributed to its mysterious reputation.

3. Are there any aliens or extraterrestrial activity at Area 51?

There is no concrete evidence to support the claim of alien presence or extraterrestrial activity at Area 51. The association of Area 51 with UFO conspiracy theories has led to speculation about the existence of aliens, but it remains unproven. The government has denied any involvement with aliens or their technology at the facility.

4. Can the public visit Area 51?

No, the public cannot visit Area 51. The facility is highly restricted, and access is strictly limited to authorized personnel with appropriate security clearance. There are warning signs and surveillance measures in place to deter trespassers. The surrounding area is also patrolled by security personnel to maintain the secrecy and security of the facility.