People flocked to the top-secret Area 51 military base in Nevada on September 19, following an online call to hunt UFOs.

Curious people flocked to the small desert town of Rachel, not far from the top-secret base, early in the day following a call from the “Area 51 Storm” Facebook event. Matty Roberts, 20, who created the event, said that if enough people signed up, they would bypass the security system of the world’s most mysterious military base to explore the secrets allegedly hidden inside, such as unidentified flying objects (UFOs), alien technology and secret government research.

“I posted the Area 51 event on Facebook on the morning of June 27,” said Roberts, a student in California. “It was a complete joke but it suddenly attracted a lot of attention.”

Event attendees pose for a photo in front of the Area 51 base in Rachel, Nevada, on September 19. Photo: Reuters
Event attendees pose for a photo in front of the Area 51 base in Rachel, Nevada, on September 19. Photo: Reuters

Located about 150 miles (240 kilometers) from Las Vegas, the remote town of Rachel has just 50 residents and doesn’t even have a grocery store or gas station. UFO hunters camped outside the Little A’Le’Inn, the only motel and restaurant in the area. Some hung inflatable alien figures outside the camper.

Nicholas Bohen and Cayla McVey, a couple who both have UFO tattoos, traveled from the outskirts of Los Angeles to Rachel, carrying enough food for a week in their camper.

“It has evolved into a peaceful gathering, a sharing of life stories,” McVey said. “You’re going to meet a group of people who are well prepared and know what they’re here for.”

The group plans to play music that evening and two more days later, but it’s unclear whether they will organize a mass walk to Area 51 on September 20.

A person places an alien doll outside the Little A’Le’Inn, the only motel and restaurant in Rachel, Nevada, on September 19. Photo: Reuters
A person places an alien doll outside the Little A’Le’Inn, the only motel and restaurant in Rachel, Nevada, on September 19. Photo: Reuters

Area 51 has been a mystery for decades, leading many to speculate that it contains the remains of a flying object and the bodies of a group of aliens who crashed in Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947. Rachel and the surrounding areas have become a tourist attraction for those interested in learning about aliens. The 158-km road through the town is known as a hotspot for UFO sightings.

It was not until 2013 that the US government confirmed the existence of Area 51 and released documents from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) stating that the site had been used to test top-secret spy planes.

Roberts planned to team up with Connie West, owner of the Little A’Le’Inn, to host a music event in Rachel called “Alienstock”. But he broke away from the group earlier this month, saying the event was poorly organized and worried it could become a public safety crisis. Instead, he organized an alternative concert for the evening of September 19 in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, West said the event in Rachel would go ahead as planned.

About 40 miles east, the small town of Hiko is also planning an event called “Area 51 Storm,” promising artists and “famous UFO researchers” to attend, with 2,300 tickets already sold. Organizers have hired 15 security guards, a private ambulance and installed 80 portable toilets for the event.

“The whole thing is a shock to this little community,” said Linda Looney, owner of the gift shop where the event will take place. “It’s going to be great. I’m excited.”

People tour the Alien Research Center in Hiko, Nevada, on September 19. Photo: Reuters
People tour the Alien Research Center in Hiko, Nevada, on September 19. Photo: Reuters

The UFO hunt has prompted Lincoln County officials, which covers both Rachel and Hiko, to draft an emergency declaration to call for state assistance. Lincoln police said there would be a large law enforcement presence and urged people to bring enough food, water and fuel. Five patrol cars were seen outside the gates of Area 51 on September 19, where many people had gathered to take photos.

Despite the festive atmosphere in Rachel, the town’s website still issued a grim warning. “If there is an event, it will be a pretty sad affair, with no bands, no food, poor facilities and lots of unhappy campers,” the website reads.