Where is Area 51?
Location and Geography
Area 51, also known as Groom Lake or Dreamland, is a United States Air Force facility located within the Nevada Test and Training Range, approximately 83 miles (133 km) northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada. The facility is situated in a remote area of the desert, surrounded by dry lake beds and mountains. The exact location of Area 51 is not publicly disclosed, but it is believed to be located near the town of Rachel, Nevada.
History and Purpose
Area 51 was established in 1955 as a testing site for the U-2 spy plane, a high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft developed by Lockheed Skunk Works. The facility was chosen for its remote location and clear skies, which made it an ideal spot for testing and developing advanced aircraft. Over the years, Area 51 has been involved in the development and testing of various top-secret aircraft, including the OXCART and A-12.
Security and Access
Area 51 is heavily guarded and has strict security measures in place to protect the facility and its occupants. The facility is surrounded by a barbed wire fence, and access is restricted to authorized personnel only. The main gate is heavily fortified, and visitors are required to go through a security checkpoint before entering the facility. The security clearance required to enter the facility is extremely high, and only a select few are granted access.
Google Maps: A Look at Area 51
To get a better understanding of the location of Area 51, let’s take a look at Google Maps. Here’s a breakdown of the facility’s location:
- Latitude: 36.5333° N
- Longitude: 115.7333° W
- Elevation: 1,000 feet (305 meters) above sea level
- Nearest city: Rachel, Nevada
- Distance from Las Vegas: 83 miles (133 km)
- Distance from Reno: 120 miles (193 km)
As you can see, Area 51 is located in a remote area of the desert, surrounded by dry lake beds and mountains. The facility is situated near the town of Rachel, Nevada, which is about 83 miles (133 km) northwest of Las Vegas.
Google Maps: A Look at the Facility
Here’s a breakdown of the facility’s layout:
- Area 51 Visitor Center: Located near the main gate, this center provides information about the facility’s history, purpose, and security measures.
- Lockheed Skunk Works: This is the facility where the U-2 spy plane was developed and tested.
- A-12 OXCART: This is the facility where the A-12 OXCART was developed and tested.
- OXCART Hangar: This is where the U-2 spy plane was stored and maintained.
- A-12 Hangar: This is where the A-12 OXCART was stored and maintained.
- Security Checkpoint: This is where visitors must go through before entering the facility.
- Main Gate: This is the main entrance to the facility, surrounded by a barbed wire fence.
Google Maps: A Look at the Surrounding Area
Here’s a breakdown of the surrounding area:
- Dry Lake Beds: These are the dry lake beds that surround the facility, providing a clear view of the surrounding area.
- Mountains: These are the mountains that surround the facility, providing a natural barrier and a sense of security.
- Roads: There are several roads that lead to the facility, including the Nevada State Route 375 and the Nevada State Route 375.
- Airports: There are several airports in the area, including the Las Vegas McCarran International Airport and the Rachel Airport.
Google Maps: A Look at the Facility’s Layout
Here’s a breakdown of the facility’s layout:
- Area 51 Hangar: This is where the U-2 spy plane was stored and maintained.
- Lockheed Skunk Works Hangar: This is where the U-2 spy plane was developed and tested.
- A-12 Hangar: This is where the A-12 OXCART was stored and maintained.
- Security Checkpoint: This is where visitors must go through before entering the facility.
- Main Gate: This is the main entrance to the facility, surrounded by a barbed wire fence.
Google Maps: A Look at the Facility’s Security Measures
Here’s a breakdown of the facility’s security measures:
- Barbed Wire Fence: This is the main barrier that surrounds the facility, preventing unauthorized access.
- Security Checkpoint: This is where visitors must go through before entering the facility.
- Security Clearance: This is the high level of security clearance required to enter the facility.
- Surveillance Cameras: These are used to monitor the facility and prevent unauthorized access.
- Motion Detectors: These are used to detect and prevent unauthorized access.
Conclusion
Area 51 is a highly classified facility located in the Nevada Test and Training Range, approximately 83 miles (133 km) northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada. The facility is surrounded by dry lake beds and mountains, providing a remote and secure location for testing and developing advanced aircraft. Google Maps provides a useful tool for understanding the location and layout of the facility, but it is essential to note that the facility’s security measures are extremely high, and access is restricted to authorized personnel only.
Additional Resources
- Nevada Test and Training Range: This is the facility where Area 51 is located.
- Lockheed Skunk Works: This is the facility where the U-2 spy plane was developed and tested.
- A-12 OXCART: This is the facility where the A-12 OXCART was developed and tested.
- U-2 Spy Plane: This is the aircraft that was developed and tested at Area 51.
References
- Nevada Test and Training Range: www.nttr.gov
- Lockheed Skunk Works: www.lockheedmartin.com
- A-12 OXCART: www.lockheedmartin.com
- U-2 Spy Plane: www.nasa.gov