Area 51: The Myth, The Reality, and The Pop Culture Phenomenon (3 of 5)

How Area 51 Became a UFO Hotspot

The testing of experimental military aircraft is the probable source of the UFO sightings reported around Area 51. The term “UFO” simply refers to any unidentified flying object, but in popular culture, it is automatically presumed to be spacecraft flown by aliens from distant worlds. The secrecy surrounding the base and the unexplained lights and aircraft observed in the area have led to widespread speculation about extraterrestrial technology being housed or developed there.

This speculation was significantly amplified in 1989 when a man named Robert Lazar claimed he had worked on reverse-engineering alien technology at Area 51. Lazar’s sensational allegations included viewing alien autopsy photos and working on extraterrestrial spacecraft. Despite being discredited—his academic and employment records were found to be fabricated—Lazar’s claims sparked a wave of conspiracy theories, embedding the idea of Area 51 as a hub for alien activity into public consciousness.