Mysterious Desert Swastikas: Alien Symbols or Military Secrets?

The Hidden WWII Legacy of New Mexico’s Desert Symbols

In the vast and desolate New Mexico desert, near the UFO hotspot of Roswell, strange swastika-shaped patterns etched into the ground have captured imaginations and sparked countless theories. These enigmatic symbols, visible only from the sky, are a magnet for speculation. Could they be alien messages, remnants of ancient civilizations, or something more grounded in history?

The truth behind these mysterious shapes reveals a fascinating—and distinctly human—story.

The True Purpose of the Swastika Symbols

Far from being extraterrestrial in origin, these symbols are relics of World War II-era military training exercises. Constructed by the Roswell Army Air Field (RAAF) during the 1940s, the swastika formations were bombing targets, designed to train aircrews for precision strikes.

Each swastika, some reversed, is superimposed over a bull's-eye pattern, surrounded by mock-ups of ships, oil tanks, and docks. The targets were part of an elaborate training system, where bombers dropped sand-filled or concrete practice bombs equipped with spotting charges to simulate real combat missions.

The Design and Decay of the Targets

The construction of these targets was intricate, with 6-foot-high and 15-foot-wide berms forming the swastika’s crosshairs. Perpendicular arms completed the symbol, creating a striking visual design that still puzzles those unaware of its military origins. Around the swastikas, replicas of ships—up to 800 feet long—and other structures provided additional realism for bombing runs.

Though the targets were abandoned after 1945, natural erosion, vegetation, and human activity have left their marks. While some targets have vanished completely, the swastikas, built from piles of rock and soil, have endured longer, standing as ghostly reminders of their wartime purpose.

A Symbol Shrouded in Controversy and Curiosity

Despite their military origins, the swastikas' controversial shape and proximity to Roswell continue to invite speculation. Many initially believe these patterns to be of extraterrestrial or ancient significance, and their association with the infamous Roswell UFO incident only deepens their mystique.

Yet these symbols are a testament to a different kind of ingenuity—one tied to the wartime urgency of the 1940s. They stand as silent witnesses to a period of history where innovation and preparation met in the most unexpected corners of the world.