Ep 8. Enigmas of Area 51

What on Earth? is a popular show on the Science Channel that tries to explain the inexplicable. Hosted by former Navy Intelligence Officer Chad Huculak, the show explores strange and unusual occurrences glimpsed on the planet through the lens of satellite imagery. From the bizarre geological formations of Death Valley to the design of mysterious Chinese rooftop decorations, the show unpacks every mystery with a sharp eye and an inquisitive spirit.

Season 8 Episode 8, titled "Enigmas of Area 51", continues the show's tradition of exploring the big mysteries of our world by visiting one of the most enigmatic places on Earth. The episode is a deep dive into the stories and rumors surrounding Area 51, a top-secret US military base nestled in the Nevada desert. Despite being officially declassified, the base remains shrouded in secrecy, famous for its black projects and alleged alien connections.

The episode kicks off with a broad overview of the Area 51 complex, providing viewers with a sense of its vast scale. Satellite footage shows the numerous buildings, hangars, and runways that make up the base, while Chad Huculak narrates the significance of each structure. He highlights the infamous "Janet Airlines" flights that ferry workers to the base, the presence of underground bunkers, and other well-known features of the base.

From there, the show delves into some of the more contentious aspects of Area 51's history. The episode gives a platform to different theories as to what's really going on at the facility. There is a quick mention of the Roswell incident of 1947, and how rumors have pointed to the crash being covered up by the military and transported to Area 51 for storage and research. The show also covers the shocking allegations of Bob Lazar, a self-proclaimed scientist who claims to have worked on alien technology at the base.

To provide a more balanced viewpoint, the show then spends time with experts who have dedicated their careers to studying Area 51. Chad Huculak interviews Mark Muro, an aviation expert who believes that the base is primarily used for testing advanced military aircraft. This episode features exclusive satellite footage of military aircraft that are known to be tested at the facility and shows the areas of Area 51 where they are tested.

The episode balances both sides of the story to leave an overall sense of intrigue and mystery. The show highlights how little we actually know about the Area 51 complex, discussing in detail various elements, including conspiracy theories on alien life. However, it also provides a more critical lens into the activity based on experts and facts, leaving viewers with more questions than answers.

Additional highlights of the episode include an exclusive look into the testing of the U.S. Air Force's newest aircraft, the RQ-180, believed to be one of the US military's key weapons against adversaries. The episode also includes new information about the United States' so-called 'black budget' - the hidden and undisclosed spending by intelligence agencies - estimated to be tens of billions annually, discussed in relation to Area 51.

Overall, "Enigmas of Area 51" is a fascinating episode that takes the viewer on a journey through the secretive and controversial history of one of the most talked-about research bases in the world. The show combines striking satellite imagery, cutting-edge technology, and inclusive interviews to paint a picture of this mysterious place that has fascinated the world for decades.