PLACE NUMBER 02
Roswell is ground zero for ufologists. The small agricultural town first garnered alien-related attention back in 1947, when a ‘flying disc’ is said to have crashed. A rancher reported a brilliant bright light and strange metal debris scattered across a large area, but officials were quick to dismiss any rumours.
Military personnel stated it was simply a weather balloon that had plummeted to the ground. This seemingly small incident has sparked false confessions, political interest and countless conspiracy theories.
Roswellians take great pride in their town’s unique claim to fame. The Roswell FilmFest (sci-fi film festival) and Cosmicon starts today (and runs until July 4); alongside the UFO Festival (until July 5), which is celebrating its 20th year and includes a good-old-fashioned alien chase.
While you’re getting all paranormal up in New Mexico, consider signing up to the SETI Institute – the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence. Far from being a team of crackpots, major projects at SETI are conducted by prestigious universities such as Harvard and Berkeley.
While they are yet to find solid evidence of life on other planets, SETI say “there have been several tantalising suggestions”.
