The testing of new and secretive military aircraft is likely responsible for much of the connection between Area 51 and UFOs, especially when considering that the term 'UFO' doesn't directly refer to alien spacecraft, despite how it is often perceived in pop culture. Gallery: Declassified US spy satellite photos & designs How did Area 51 come to be associated with UFOs? Originally used as a testing site for the U-2 spy plane, the base would go on to be used for the testing of other well-known aircraft such as the Archangel-12, the SR-71 Blackbird and the F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter. The restricted area ar Area 51's covers over 90,000 acres (36,000 hectares) (Image credit: Roger Holden via Getty Images) Such signs tell visitors that photos aren't allowed and that trespassing on the property will result in a fine, he added. 'The borders of Area 51 are not fenced but are marked with orange poles and warning signs.'

'The military classifies Area 51 as a 'Military Operating Area.' On the ground, you'll encounter stern signs and armed guards patrolling the fenced perimeters guarded by buried motion sensors, cameras, guards and so on - plus signs warning that deadly force is authorized,' Radford explained. Radford said that there are still legitimate government and military reasons for keeping the base's activities secret. The U.S military finally acknowledged the existence of Area 51 in 2013 after a formerly classified CIA document detailing the history of the U-2 spy plane was obtained by the National Security Archive at George Washington University.īut that acknowledgment doesn't mean that a visit to the base is advisable. government, it's simply the Nevada Test and Training Range, part of Edwards Air Force Base.' What is in Area 51 and what is it used for? 'It's mostly conspiracy theorists and media who call it Area 51. 'The base itself is fairly small, but the restricted area around it is over 90,000 acres - partly to prevent prying eyes and partly because they need to test classified aircraft,' Radford told.

(Image credit: miroslav_1 via Getty Images)īenjamin Radford is an American folklorist, writer, investigator and skeptic who's authored more than 20 books, including 'Scientific Paranormal Investigation: How to Solve Unexplained Mysteries ' 'Tracking the Chupacabra: The Vampire Beast in Fact, Fiction and Folklore ' and 'Mysterious New Mexico: Miracles, Magic, and Monsters in the Land of Enchantment.' He's also deputy editor of Skeptical Inquirer magazine and has written several articles regarding the conspiracy theories surrounding Area 51. Area 51 is situated 120 miles (200 kilometers) northwest of Las Vegas, near the small towns of Rachel and Hiko.

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