Area 51

Surrounded by mountains and protected by armed guards, Area 51 is one of the most mysterious places on Earth. For decades this top secret military base has been the focus of conspiracy theories and alien stories, tales of hidden UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects) and undercover experiments. Until recently, the US government even denied it existed. So, what’s really going on behind the scenes?

Visitors from outer space

The legend of Area 51 began with an unexplained happening. In 1947, a mysterious object crashed near Roswell in the US state of New Mexico. Initial reports suggested that a “flying disk” had been recovered, fueling stories of extraterrestrial spacecraft. Later on, an official investigation concluded that the unidentified flying object was just a weather balloon, but some people said it was a cover-up and rumours persisted. When a secret new military base was set up in Nevada just a few years later, rumours began swirling that it was built to house the Roswell UFO.

Top secret planes

From the 1950s, strange shapes in the sky around Area 51 began to be reported, as well as unusual lights at odd times of the night. Speaking to Science+Nature’s Mysteries of Science podcast, UFO expert Nick Pope explained that Area 51 is where the US government has tested new technology used in aircraft, including unusual and futuristic prototype aircraft. “Things like the stealth fighter and the stealth bomber were developed and flown there for the first time,” said Pope. Technology can sometimes be so new that it can often look like it comes from a sci-fi film. Someone might see an experimental aircraft and think it’s aliens.

Screen time

As Area 51 grew a reputation as a hub for alien experiments, it started featuring in lots of books, films, television shows and video games. As the stories multiplied, the rumours became wilder. Only people who work at Area 51 are allowed to enter. Its remote location and restricted airspace means nobody can get close without permission. Big signs at the entrance say that the site is off-limits to civilians but tens of thousands of people visit the area every year. They go on tours and to popular meeting points for other UFOlogists (people who study UFOs). A whole town and tourism industry has sprung up along a road near the base.

In 1989, a man called Bob Lazar appeared on a TV interview claiming to have worked on alien spacecraft near Area 51. He said scientists were trying to understand the way they fly for use in their own aircraft. Sceptics say there’s little evidence that Lazar ever worked at Area 51 but he does seem to present some evidence, including descriptions of some of the aeroplane hangars at the base. It wasn’t until 2013 that the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) declassified Area 51 and its use.

Rumour mill

A conspiracy theory is an explanation of a mystery that says the key is a secret plot (usually by powerful people) or a cover-up of the real facts. These theories can be hard to disprove because many people choose to believe them without much evidence. They fill unexplained gaps in our knowledge with made-up stories. Much of what goes on at Area 51 is still top secret. Satellite images show new hangars have been built, which suggests that whatever is happening at Area 51 is still going on. Perhaps they are working on secret planes, or maybe they need to house lots more aliens. The actual truth might be unknown and until we know for sure, tales will continue.

Weird airports

Sites don’t have to be top-secret to draw attention. Denver International is one of the world’s busiest, biggest airports. It’s open to the public but is still the source of its own stories.

The airport features strange gargoyles and a huge neon blue horse statue at the entrance. Some think the art has hidden meanings. People also believe there are secret underground bunkers and tunnels.

There’s no evidence for these claims but the airport loves the stories. In 2016 it hosted an exhibition featuring a fake alien skull, and staff sometimes dress up as lizards and aliens to prank the public.

First published in The Week Junior Science+Nature, issue 96, January 2026.