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I've been using Area 51 for some time, but recently was curious about the name itself. I've read the discussion about the upgrade, which would result in "Area 52". So, what is the meaning of the number 51 in the name?

  • Is it a version number?
  • Is it the 51st site launched by StackExchange?
  • Is it "51% progress", so the lowest number more than half?
  • Has this numer any other special meaning?
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closed as not constructive by jmort253, animuson, hims056, Toon Krijthe, Diago Jan 8 '13 at 8:10

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P.S. Area 52 is likely not going to be the name of the next-generation site. That was a name started by the community and the SE team has hinted more at a completely new name not related to "Area 51" whatsoever. –  animuson Jan 8 '13 at 6:56
    
One of the posts I think @animuson is alluding to: Next Generation of Area 51 –  Austin Henley Jan 8 '13 at 7:17
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I'm tempted to add faq-proposed to this. It seems like a reasonable question to have around for non-Americans, if no-one else. –  Josh Caswell Jan 8 '13 at 7:22
    
Argh, why no one reads the FAQ? –  Yannis Jan 8 '13 at 9:28
    
@Yannis: Why do you call it Area 51? We like the little aliens. I doubt it explains anything... –  Donaudampfschifffreizeitfahrt Jan 8 '13 at 9:56
    
Yes, it's a poor explanation, no argument there. Still, it's an explanation that at least points you in the right direction. –  Yannis Jan 8 '13 at 10:04
    
Well, it didn't pointed me to any direction because it was for me 'it is named so because it is named so'... –  Donaudampfschifffreizeitfahrt Jan 8 '13 at 10:26

1 Answer 1

up vote 12 down vote accepted

It is an area known for its secrecy and the famous conspiracy theorist that describe stories about it.

It is widely known in the US so just try Google or the Wikipedia entry, Area 51.

area51

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So it means, we (all) famous conspiracy theorists.. Sounds cooool... –  Krishnabhadra Jan 8 '13 at 6:45
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Oh sure, tell people you've been probed just once and you're a "conspiracy theorist" rather than a victim..... –  Bart Jan 8 '13 at 7:00
    
@Bart Shhh. That is classified. –  Austin Henley Jan 8 '13 at 7:15
    
Good answer. I've learned something new. Those 51 was a senseless set of digits for me until now :) –  Donaudampfschifffreizeitfahrt Jan 8 '13 at 16:21

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