Area
51—
Area 51 is a secret military facility about 90 miles north of Las
Vegas. The number refers to a six by ten mile block of land, at
the center of which is a large air base the United States government
will not discuss. The site was selected in the mid 1950s for testing
of the U-2 spyplane, due to its remoteness, proximity to existing
facilities and presence of a dry lake ned for landings.
Between December 1988 and April
1989, the area known as Groom Lake, on the Nellis Air Force Range in central
Nevada became unusually popular. The now infamous Area 51 and especially
the Groom and Papoose dry lake beds were relatively unknown terms to the
mainstream community from the mid 1970's to 1989. The scientific circles
knew it as "Dreamland"
or as the Skunkworks or simply as Groom Lake
Groom Lake is America's traditional
testing ground for black budget aircraft before they are publicly acknowledged.
The facility and surrounding areas are also associated with UFO and conspiracy
stories. In 1989, Bob
Lazar claimed on KLAS-TV Las Vegas television station that he
had worked with alien spacecraft at Papoose Lake, south of Area 51.
Podesta urges airing
of Area 51
Former White House chief of staff supports
openness
Feds asked to shed
light on UFOs
Area 51 night photo
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