In July 1947, a powerful thunderstorm blew over Roswell, New Mexico – and with it came whispers of a mysterious object. Was it a weather balloon, as US military officials claimed? Or, was it a flying saucer from outer space, as many locals believed?
The events surrounding that weekend in the desert have inspired countless conspiracy theories, journalistic investigations, and pop culture hits from Forbidden Planet to Men in Black, from The Day the Earth Stood Still to The X-Files. This fascination has transformed UFO hunting into a thriving industry that attracts thousands to Roswell yearly, especially for events like the UFO Festival and attractions such as the International UFO Museum & Research Center.
Government responses to these UFO sightings have varied over the years, ranging from outright disavowals of extraterrestrial activity to recent declassifications of videos and reports investigating the unexplained phenomena in our atmosphere.
Regardless of the outcomes of these investigations, the debate surrounding these sightings is sure to persist for years to come. Many remain convinced that the truth is out there. For those eager to explore locations rumored to be extraterrestrial hotspots, consider these intriguing destinations.
1. Roswell, New Mexico
Roswell, renowned for the alleged 1947 crash of an alien spaceship, proudly claims the title of “UFO capital of the world.” The UFO Festival (held annually around July 1-3), celebrates all things extraterrestrial, featuring costume contests and light parades. Both enthusiasts and skeptics can engage in discussions about phenomena such as abductions and ongoing secret government projects.
For a more terrestrial experience, participate in the Alien Chase, a 5km or 10km race through Roswell’s parks.
2. Extraterrestrial Highway, Nevada
Nevada’s State Route 375 has earned the name Extraterrestrial Highway due to the multitude of reported sightings of strange lights. This road primarily winds through the uninhabited desert, nearby Area 51 and Nellis Air Force Base. Following the tourist board’s alien-themed road trip offers the best chance of glimpsing paranormal phenomena. The town of Rachel, situated along the highway, attracts UFO hunters who stop at the Little A’Le’Inn to share stories and experiences with fellow enthusiasts.
Thanks to minimal light pollution in the desert, any unusual activity in the night sky becomes significantly more visible.
3. Hoia Baciu Forest, Romania
Hoia Baciu in Romania is often described as the world’s most haunted forest, though its reputation for UFO sightings goes back to the late 1960s. A biologist first documented unexplained lights over the forest, soon followed by a military technician who photographed flying orbs. Reports of strange occurrences persisted throughout the 1970s, contributing to the forest’s eerie allure with tales of missing children and paranormal encounters.
4. Nazca Lines, Peru
The Nazca Lines in Peru are enveloped in mystery. They are believed to have been created by a pre-Inca civilization around 450 to 600 CE, who strategically removed earth and rocks from the Nazca plain to form vast etchings of figures like a spider and a monkey. These lines are not easily visible from the ground, further deepening their enigma. Were they intended to attract aliens? Or might they serve as a giant message to life forms beyond Earth?
5. Wycliffe Well, Australia
Located in the remote Northwestern Territory near Alice Springs, Wycliffe Well boasts its quirky title as the self-professed UFO capital of Australia. Since the 1940s, numerous sightings have been reported, drawing intrigue due to its flat, dark-sky horizon and the nearby Pine Gap US satellite surveillance station. Local entrepreneur Lew Farkas exploits this reputation with his hotel and restaurant adorned with alien-themed murals, fostering a sense of an intergalactic rest stop for travelers through the cosmos.
6. Khao Kala, Thailand
Reports of unidentified objects flying over Thailand date back to the late 1300s, but a hill named Khao Kala near Nakhon Sawan has recently risen to prominence as Asia’s Area 51. In 2011, reports of increased sightings attracted attention, with believers congregating around a statue of Buddha, feeling drawn to a potential portal to another world. While some attribute this rise in interest to increased media portrayals of extraterrestrials, Nakhon Sawan also enjoys a reputation as a destination for food enthusiasts.
7. Varginha, Brazil
Situated in Minas Gerais, Varginha has captured global UFO enthusiasts’ imaginations when local residents claimed to find a dead extraterrestrial in a field during 1996. The speculation surrounding this incident, particularly due to the presence of a nearby army base, fueled rumors of a military cover-up. The city has embraced its newfound fame, welcoming curious visitors and erecting the Nave Espacial de Varginha, a striking flying saucer-shaped water tower, to celebrate its eclectic history.
8. Emilcin, Poland
About 25 miles outside Lublin, Emilcin became infamous in May 1978 when Jan Wolski, a local man in his 70s, reported an encounter with extraterrestrial beings who allegedly whisked him away to their spaceship. This captivating tale sparked interest among UFO researchers and filmmakers alike. Over the years, other residents have also reported unusual sightings in the sky. Emilcin now features a monument commemorating Wolski’s experience, declaring, “The truth will still amaze us.”
9. Stonehenge, Great Britain
Stonehenge is among Great Britain’s most compelling archaeological mysteries. Dating back to around 2500 BCE, it remains a testament to ancient engineering with its massive sarsen stones and smaller bluestones, precisely arranged in a circular formation aligned with celestial bodies. Although it’s widely accepted as a temple oriented towards the sun’s movements, persistent conspiracy theories suggest that the construction methods showcase potential alien intervention.
10. Bermuda Triangle, Atlantic Ocean
The Bermuda Triangle is infamous for UFO conspiracy theories, spanning an area roughly from Florida to Bermuda and down to Puerto Rico. This region has witnessed several unexplained disappearances of ships and airplanes over the decades, igniting imaginations worldwide. Although scientists attribute these events to factors like human error and instrument malfunctions, paranormal enthusiasts believe that something extraordinary may be happening within the depths of the Triangle – whether it be UFOs, time portals, or bizarre phenomena akin to those in popular culture.
This article was originally published on July 1, 2019, and has since been updated.
