Pilot Bob Richards has done it again. On December 30, he legally skirted the edge of Area 51 and with high-powered photographic equipment and cooperation from the weather, snapped a new photo of the famous top-secret military base.
Many are unaware that it is still possible to legally fly along the borders of the extensive Nevada Test and Training Range which is home to both Area 51 and the Tonopah Test Range Airport. However, the distance is still far enough to require high-end photography equipment, camera stabilization, and excellent weather conditions to get a good pic.
So what do we learn from the new high-res photo?
First, somebody forgot to close the hanger door.
Looks like a new hanger at the base of the runway.
An unusual circular launch pad, maybe?
And finally, the base looks oddly empty, devoid of people and machinery. Maybe everyone took off for Christmas vacation?
