NASA scientist finally answers what Area 51 is 'actually' used for

A NASA scientist has finally answered the questions asked for decades about what Area 51 is ‘actually’ used for.

Area 51 is part of the Nevada Test and Training Range and is a highly classified US Air Force facility found at Groom Lake in southern Nevada.

It’s famed for its secrecy, leading many to believe it’s involved in the study of extraterrestrial life and UFOs.

First established in 1955, the facility was pretty much unknown up until 1989 when Robert Lazar spoke out on TV claiming that he worked at a site studying alien technology and spacecraft.

Now, David Grinspoon, who is a senior scientist for Astrobiology Strategy at NASA, has lifted the lid on what really goes on at Area 51.

In an interview with WIRED, when asked what the secretive base is used for, the expert joked: “Well, I could tell you, but then I’d have to kill you.”

Grinspoon went on to explain: “Area 51 is a place where experimental military aircraft are tested. This is common knowledge, and that’s all I know, and I’ve seen no evidence that it’s anything else.”

The discussion prompted many viewers to take to the YouTube comment section to share their own thoughts on the matter, with one user writing: “Kept it real short, sweet and to the point abt Area 51,” followed by a skeptical looking emoji.

And another added: “Love the approach to the UFO stuff. ‘I want to believe’ in the purest sense of the idea. ‘It’s almost certainly not aliens, there’s lots of more realistic explanations. Not impossible but very very unlikely, but it’d be really f***in cool if it was’.”

In other Area 51 news, a huge fire broke out near the base just last month, sparking some wild UFO conspiracy theories.

The incident caused a stir among UFO enthusiasts after a livestream camera set up near the location captured the footage of smoke plumes billowing into the sky.

The fire stemmed from the Gothic Fire, which started after lightning struck in the area on July 4, and has charred over 30,000 acres of land.

Conspiracy theories have surrounded Area 51 for decades (myLoupe/UIG Via Getty Images)

The fire reached up to 15 miles away from the military base, but that didn’t stop conspiracy theorists from speculating.

Many people took to social media to share their own reactions to the news.

On Reddit, one user wrote: “I'm not saying it's aliens but..

Another joked: “I bet someone was microwaving fish and the aliens had enough of the smell.”

A third commented: “You'd think Area 51 of all places would have a better plan set to prevent damage from wildfires.”

And a fourth person added: “I'm assuming most of their truly important assets are pretty far underground anyways so. Wildfire won't do much.”