Jump directly to the content

FOR eight years, Google Earth did not update its images of a military site in Nevada testing experimental weapons and the company won’t explain why.

While other military ranges have been consistently mapped, the dry lake beds of the Tonopah Test Range were not photographed between 2008 and 2016.

The Tonopah Gap, which was recently, finally updated by Google.
4
The Tonopah Gap, which was recently, finally updated by Google.Credit: Google Earth

This is the longest any part of the continental US has not been updated, according to .

The Test Range is located about 70 miles northwest of Area 51 facility - a popular centre for conspiracy theories.

Usually updates happen every 60 days, according to a

Since the early 1950s, the range has reportedly been used for government aerospace and weapons testing.

Stealth Fighter Aircraft at the Tonopah Test Range
4
Stealth Fighter Aircraft at the Tonopah Test RangeCredit: Handout - Getty
Warning signs are displayed outside the secretive US Base
4
Warning signs are displayed outside the secretive US BaseCredit: Alamy

In an attempt to try to discover whether government censorship was taking place, Motherboard purchased an image of the site from 2013 for £1,500 from Apollo Mapping, which they planned to sell for $1 on Google.

But the outlet were refused after learning they had only legally “leased” the image, and could not resell it.

Instead, the website plans to show abstract images of the satellite photo at an event that will UK time today.

When asked why the “Tonopah gap” existed in their records, Google did not respond to Motherboard.

The test site has been used to test missile and aircraft systems for almost seven decades
4
The test site has been used to test missile and aircraft systems for almost seven decadesCredit: Getty - Contributor
Dramatic moment US fighter jets 'battle UFO above alien crash site Area 51'

Since the website started asking questions the image of the area were updated to reflect its appearance in October 2017.

The newest images available today appear to have been updated to 2018.

MOST READ IN NEWS

Southport victims' families show in face of wickedness virtue shines through
THE SUN SAYS

Southport victims' families show in face of wickedness virtue shines through

Illegal migrant blitz on car washes and nail bars sees nearly 4,000 arrests
MIGRANT RAIDS

Illegal migrant blitz on car washes and nail bars sees nearly 4,000 arrests

Heartbroken mum relives moment she knew son, 3, had died in farm accident
'WAS HE SCARED?'

Heartbroken mum relives moment she knew son, 3, had died in farm accident

Reform rule out ANY deal with Tories saying pact likely under 'no circumstances'
NO DEAL

Reform rule out ANY deal with Tories saying pact likely under 'no circumstances'

Other images were added from 2014 and 2015, but the gap still remains for 6 years.

The Motherboard investigation teams ends with a question addressed straight to Google:

“Do you have a tacit agreement with the US government to keep this area off of Google Maps? Do you merely think that Don't Be Evil means Only Spy on Civilians? Please tell us, Google, we'd love to know.”

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368 . You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.

 

YOU MIGHT LIKE
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
MORE FOR YOU