15 Shocking Truths About Area 51
Area 51, a name synonymous with secrecy and mystery, has long captivated the imagination of the public. Situated within the vast deserts of Nevada, this highly classified U.S. Air Force facility has been a focal point for conspiracy theories, particularly involving UFOs and aliens. Let's unveil some startling truths about this enigmatic site.
1. Secret Origins
"The Ranch" with U-2 flight line.
The establishment of Area 51 in 1955 was primarily for testing the Lockheed U-2 reconnaissance aircraft. The high-altitude plane was a crucial asset during the Cold War for spy missions over Soviet airspace.
2. Stealth and Surveillance
An A-12 (60-6924) takes off from Groom Lake during one of the first test flights, piloted by Louis Schalk, 26 April 1962.
Following the U-2, Area 51 served as the development ground for other cutting-edge aircraft like the A-12 and the famous F-117 Nighthawk, both known for their impressive stealth and speed capabilities.
3. The Blurry Zone
To preserve its secrecy, satellite images of Area 51 were censored until 2018. Today, the site can be seen on Google Maps.
4. Exact Location
About 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas, along the Extraterrestrial Highway in Nevada, an unmarked dirt road exists between mile markers 29 and 30. While no structures are apparent from the highway, this road leads to what is known on civilian aviation maps as Groom Lake or Homey Airport, AKA Area 51.
5. Other Names
A 1998 letter from the USAF replying to a query about Area 51.
What we know as Area 51 is also referred to by various other names such as Paradise Ranch; Watertown; Dreamland Resort; Red Square; The Box; The Ranch; Detachment 3, Air Force Flight Test Center (Det. 3, AFFTC); and the Nevada Test and Training Range.
6. Unmarked Commutes
Employees often travel to the base via unmarked aircraft from a private terminal at Las Vegas' McCarran International Airport.
7. Conspiracy Theories
In 1989, Robert Lazar claimed he worked on alien technology at Area 51. He told a reporter that he saw alien autopsy photos and that the U.S. government studied recovered alien spacecraft at the facility. Although Lazar was discredited, his claims sparked numerous conspiracy theories about extraterrestrial life and government cover-ups.
8. Official Recognition
It wasn't until 2013 that the U.S. government officially acknowledged Area 51's existence, citing its use as a testing facility for aerial surveillance programs.
9. Popular Culture Phenomenon
Young aspiring social media stars and a diverse crowd, including UFO enthusiasts and meme-lovers, gathered to "storm" Area 51 after being inspired by a viral Facebook event created by a college student, following a Joe Rogan podcast with UFO figure Bob Lazar. This quickly escalated into a massive gathering, prompting Roberts and a local inn owner to transform the would-be raid into a music festival, despite local concerns over safety and logistics.
10. Expansion Due to Speed
The base had to expand because the OXCART, a plane tested there, required almost 200 miles to complete a turn due to its high speed.
11. Roswell Connection
Some believe that the controversial and much-debated debris from the 1947 Roswell incident was stored at Area 51 for investigation.
12. No Aliens, Says CIA
Despite the plethora of alien stories, the CIA has explicitly denied the presence of aliens at the base, attributing the UFO sightings to misidentified test flights of secret aircraft.
13. Tourist Attraction
The mystery surrounding Area 51 makes it a popular tourist destination, with nearby towns like Rachel, Nevada, capitalizing on alien-themed merchandise and attractions.
14. The Black Mailbox
An iconic landmark, the so-called Black Mailbox (which is actually white), located near Area 51, became an unofficial meeting spot for UFO watchers.
15. Continued Secrecy
The main gate to Area 51, on Groom Road. Photo by David James Henry.
Despite partial declassifications, much about Area 51 remains under wraps, fueling ongoing speculation and intrigue about what truly goes on behind its fences.
Whether you believe in extraterrestrial cover-ups or simply acknowledge Area 51 as a military test site, its veil of secrecy continues to be a defining feature, inviting both skepticism and wonder.
References: The legend of Area 51—and why it still fascinates us | Area 51 | Area 51 conspiracy theories: Aliens in the United States? | I 'stormed' Area 51 and it was even weirder than I imagined | E.T. Post Home: The Alien Mailbox of Area 51
