Astronomy Myth and Mythconception By: Celina and Vicky

Is the government hiding aliens in Area 51? AGREE OR DISAGREE + Throughout this presentation, we will detail key facts to prove either argument. It is up to YOU (the viewer), to create your own conclusion and determine whether you agree or disagree with this question.

Basic Information about Area 51 Area 51 has numerous names including “Groom Lake,” “Homey Airport,” and/or “Dreamland.” Location: Groom Lake, Nevada, U.S.A Geographic Coordinates: ˚ N and ˚ W The base occupies acres, includes a guard shack, radar antennas, housing facilities, offices, runways and much more.

Basic Information about Area 51 Area 51 is owned by the U.S. Government. Used for aircraft testing and is a military base. The location was hidden away from almost everyone for decades. Which resulted in nobody in the public knows anything about the area, due to the government going to great lengths to conceal Area 51. Sparking the popular belief in the world that aliens inhabit Area 51.

Common Understanding of the Topic Many people commonly believe that Area 51 is a barren base that is owned and operated by the U.S. government. With heavy security and secrecy. The area has been the subject of many conspiracy theories and is commonly believed to house aliens there in the many secret levels and rooms in Area 51. This is all through the piecing together of various evidences to prove a theory.

Common Understanding of the Topic Some people (with more research) commonly believe these facts about the ongoing events within Area 51 and its history. The first is that Area 51 has moved locations. Which was believed due to an article about a reporter whom thought he saw the area in Utah, although it was just a wrong turn that had led to this mistake. Secondly, is that the U.S. government is hiding Area 51. Which is not entirely true, since the government has revealed information about the location in a set of official documents released to the public. Lastly, that there are living alien specimens, spacecrafts, and technologies. This is a common understanding; withholding an entire mystery that is far from being solved.

Timeline of Area : A booklet is released about a base near Groom Lake claims that it was part of a weather study. 1962: The first test flight occurred after the arrival of the A-12 in Groom Lake. CIA pilots begin their training on flight. 1984: The area petitions for more land to increase the size of the space around the facility. Congress approves the land request. 1988: A soviet satellite photographs the secretive location, offering U.S. citizens their first glimpse of the secret base.

Timeline of Area : An Area 51 employee by the name of Robert Frost, dies. His body contained many dangerous chemicals in an autopsy. 1989: KLAS-TV showed interview with Robert Lazar claiming he reversed-engineered alien technology. 1995: Two popular tourist locations (Freedom Ridge and White Sides Peak) are acquired by Area 51, and closed. President Clinton signs an order to preserve national security in Area 51.

History of the Myth The myth began ever since Area 51 was established due to the secretive nature of the location. Many people have reported UFO sightings linked with aliens above Area 51. Though it was dismissed by authorities as aircraft testing. In 1989, one of the alleged employees, Robert Lazar claimed he was working with alien spacecraft. Which was refuted to the public helping to support the conspiracy theories about aliens being part of Area 51.

Evidence that Agrees with the Question U.S. government has many security measures to ensure everything remains hidden, such as fencing, many warning signs, sensors to detect movement, security located at perimeter, and media and regular citizens cannot enter. Area 51 is more secure compared to other bases. Which results in people believing that there is more than aircrafts in this area. An alien spacecraft crashed in “Roswell.” The government shipped the wreckage and alien body to Area 51 for further study. Proving that there is aliens in Area 51. Some claim that the facility has many underground levels and tunnels to other secret sites with aliens. Which shows the willingness of people to hide alien specimens from the outside world for security to be able to investigate more into aliens.

Evidence that Agrees with the Question Many alleged workers claim to be working with aliens, most notably Robert Lazar and his interview with KLAS-TV about alien technology being kept in Area 51 by the U.S. government. Men in Black are stationed to help keep UFO and alien sightings in Area 51 (and elsewhere) a secret.

Evidence that Disagrees with the Question Area 51 was established for Atomic Energy Commission test site. The facility was used in World War II as an aerial gunnery for the Army Air corp. pilots. Road signs were removed to help transport planes safely to and from Area 51. The main focus was not to appear barren for the aliens to land. It was for the safety of the pilots, workers, and for the aircraft. The construction of underground tunnels would need a large labour force and many construction supplies to carry out the project. Which is unlikely it could be done in secret. Robert Lazar was discovered to be a hoaxer. U.S. military collaborates with the entertainment industry, however it has never sanctioned a project involving Area 51. Indicating that it is a top-secret base and has nothing to do with aliens.

Evidence that Disagrees with the Question The conditions on other planets is not as pleasant for life to take place due to the extreme surface temperatures. Such as, on Neptune where the average surface temperature is -215˚C and up to 470 ˚C on Venus. Liquid water is not found in the universe on the surface of objects. Water is important for all life forms and contribute to the mass of many organisms. As well, it appears that life is not possible without liquid water. However, liquid water is necessary for life (including aliens), a lot more is required. In 2013, the C.I.A officially released new documents to the public. After Jeffery T. Richelson submitted a Freedom of Information Act request on Area 51. These documents detail some of the strange activities that occur there with basic explanations and a more in- depth history of the secretive Area 51.

Reason Why The Misconception Persists Yes, the misconception persists due to pieces of evidences about this topic contradicting one another. Such as Robert Lazar’s theory claiming that he worked with aliens and alien technology in Area 51. However, investigators dismissed the claims because his education, and employment were not verified, thus losing credibility. These contradictions make it difficult for people to understand whether the government is hiding aliens or not. Whether they choose to believe or not, depends on them and who or what they trust. However, the many theories make it easier to believe that aliens are hidden in the area. Whereas, science and reliable sources makes it likely that aliens do not exist.

Conclusion The question may still be lingering in your head. Is the government hiding aliens in Area 51? AGREE OR DISAGREE It is your turn to come up with your own conclusion. For more information, please visit our website: