Area 51: What is it and what goes on there?

Area 51 sign on fence in the Nevada Desert. The white square sign has the text "entering area 51" written in large black letters.

Area 51 is a top-secret military installation in southern Nevada that has long been the subject of speculation, secrecy and stories of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and alien technology.

Located in the remote desert near Groom Lake, Area 51 has become infamous for conspiracy theories suggesting that it houses alien spacecraft and conducts experiments away from the public eye. While these theories have captured the imagination of the public and pop culture for decades, the real purpose of Area 51 is likely more down-to-earth — though still shrouded in mystery.