| Area 51 is the nickname given to a U.S. military | | | | potential of the folklore surrounding the base has |
| base, which supports the development and testing | | | | renamed the section of State Route 375 near |
| of experimental aircraft and weapons systems. | | | | Area 51 The Extraterrestrial Highway" in hopes of |
| Popularly, believed to be a hideout for Alien | | | | generating revenue from tourism. Area 51 has |
| activity. Located at 83 miles north of Las Vegas. | | | | become the focus of UFO and conspiracy |
| It is a 6x10 mile block of land situated on the | | | | theories. These theories include: |
| southern shore of Groom Lake. | | | | -The storage, examination, and reverse |
| Since its inception citizens have claimed to view | | | | engineering of crashed alien spacecraft with its |
| UFO sightings and heard strange, rumbling noises. | | | | occupants at Roswell. |
| Yet, the government denies the existence of | | | | -Manufacturing of aircrafts based on alien |
| Area 51. Rather, it emphasizes the area used to | | | | technology. |
| serve as a site for military bombings. | | | | -Joint undertakings with extraterrestrials. |
| During World War II the Groom Lake was used | | | | -The development of exotic energy weapons for |
| for bombing and artillery practice, but was | | | | weather control. |
| abandoned until April 1955, when Lockheed's | | | | -The development of time travel and teleportation |
| Skunk Works team selected the location as an | | | | technology. |
| ideal testing grounds for forthcoming U-2 spy | | | | -The development of unique propulsion systems |
| plane. The base has seven runways including one | | | | related to the Aurora Program. |
| that now appears to be closed. The closed | | | | -Activities related with the Majestic 12 organization |
| runway 14R/32L, with a total length of 7,100 m is | | | | often referred as one world government. |
| the longest without any stop-way. The other | | | | These conspiracy theories have catapulted Area |
| runways include two asphalt runways with a | | | | 51 as a notorious, paranormal activity site in |
| length of 3,700 m and 1,600 m respectively. And, | | | | popular culture, specifically in the area of science |
| the remaining four are located on the salt lake. | | | | fiction. Many films and television programs focus |
| Since the paranormal occurrences at this location, | | | | on capturing the essence of these theories |
| it has become the subject of curiosity. Many | | | | marked as fictious by the government. |
| documents and articles have been written about | | | | Still several people have claimed knowledge of |
| the place. People in hope to turn the rumors true | | | | events supporting Area 51 conspiracy theories. |
| flock outside the complex hoping to capture some | | | | Bob Lazar, who was contracted to work with |
| alien activity in their camera lens. | | | | alien spacecraft that was in the possession of |
| The base does not appear on public U.S. | | | | government in 1989. |
| government maps and the USGS topographic | | | | Similarly, an interview conducted with a 71 year |
| map shows the long-disused Groom Mine. The | | | | old mechanical engineer who was a former |
| area is restricted for both civilians and general | | | | employee at the site during 1950s, claimed to |
| military air traffic. Radar stations guard the area | | | | work on a "flying disc simulator" which had been |
| and any unauthorized activity is instantly noticed | | | | based on a disc originating from a crashed |
| and apprehended with stringent laws. Unauthorized | | | | extraterrestrial craft and was used to train US |
| personnel from the military are expelled if caught | | | | Pilots. He also claimed to have worked with an |
| strolling in the restricted surroundings of Grooms | | | | extraterrestrial being named "J-Rod" and described |
| airspace. | | | | as a "telepathic translator. |
| Nevada's state government, acknowledging the | | | | |