can and, you know, there's about somewhere between 5-10,000 people, but they're split between different sites up there. so it's difficult to get a head count. but i think it just shows the level of interest given the remoteness of this area, how difficult it is to get there, it really shows that people are passionate about this subject. area 51 has just become a focal point for the wider interest in ufos right now. arthel: so, peter, why are people so fascinated with all things alien and ufo and area 51? and is there something behind this? any scientific facts or info on the aerospace front that lends credibility to alien sightings? >> well, the secrecy surrounding area 51 has sort of turned it into a convenient blackboard upon which to draw any sort of conspiracy theory. area 51 itself is simply a test and evaluation center for advanced aircraft and weapons and has never had anything to do with aliens or