The Zone of Silence

The Zone of Silence (Zona del Silencio) is a desert region in the Mapimí Biosphere Reserve in Mexico, where radio transmissions are alleged to fail and strange phenomena have been reported since the 1970s.

Discovery

The zone came to attention in 1970 when an Athena missile launched from Utah went off course and crashed in the area. When American military teams arrived to recover the missile, they allegedly discovered that their radio equipment failed to function.

The Phenomena

Visitors report that radios, compasses, and GPS devices malfunction within the zone. Watches stop. Cell phones lose signal even where coverage should exist. Local ranchers have long known about the area, calling it “Mar de Tetys” after a phantom sea said to exist there.

Strange Sightings

Beyond the electromagnetic anomalies, visitors report unusual sightings. Lights in the sky are common. Some claim to have encountered beings, described as tall blondes who speak perfect Spanish and ask about their activities before disappearing.

Scientific Interest

The area lies along the same parallel as the Egyptian pyramids and the Bermuda Triangle. It contains unusually high concentrations of meteorite debris and magnetic minerals, which some believe explain the electromagnetic effects.

Assessment

The Zone of Silence may be a genuine electromagnetic anomaly, or its reputation may rest on exaggeration and coincidence. The 1970 missile crash, which could have been simple mechanical failure, gave birth to a legend that has only grown over time.