Do Aliens Exist in Area 51?

UFO watchers film strange lights over Nevada's Area 51 with what some might call unsettling frequency.

Area 51 is a highly secretive U.S. Air Force installation located within the Nevada Test and Training Range. For years, UFO enthusiasts have insisted the U.S. government is storing alien technology at the site. Though Area 51 remains a popular destination for UFO investigators, to date no credible evidence has emerged to support their claims.

Background

Area 51 has been in operation since 1955. Since then, it has played host to the development and testing of a number of top secret air force projects, including the U-2 spy plane, the SR-71 "Blackbird," the F-117 stealth fighter and B-2 stealth bomber.

Rumors of Alien Technology

For decades, rumors have circulated that the government is storing and testing alien technology at Area 51, allegations that can be traced to the Roswell incident in 1947, where an alien spaceship supposedly crash landed on a New Mexico ranch before being covered up and spirited away to a secret government installation.

Evidence

There is little evidence to support the UFO community's theories about aliens at Area 51, other than videos of strange lights flying in the airspace over the base. Several "witnesses" have come forward over the years claiming to have seen or even worked on alien technology, but none of them have been able to substantiate their claims.

Likely Explanation

In the end, the Air Force probably prefers people to remain preoccupied with rumors of alien autopsies than have them focus on its top secret development projects. The intense security surrounding Area 51 (including signs advising that trespassers can be shot) makes as much sense in the context of a top secret military installation as the home of interplanetary skullduggery.

References

• Area 51: Dreamland Resort