[1][2][3] The area was once an ancient seabed in the Tethys Ocean, which left marine fossils and large salt deposits which are mined today.

[5] When the rocket went off course, it was carrying two small containers of cobalt 57,[6][7] an isotope used in "salted bombs" to intentionally contaminate large areas of land.

[5] As a result of the US Air Force recovery operation, a number of myths and legends relating to the area arose.

Reportedly, a local resident hired to guard the crash debris during recovery operations helped spread these rumors.

Legends include "strange magnetic anomalies that prevent radio transmission", mutations of flora and fauna, and extraterrestrial visitations,[1][2] which have been used by locals to promote tourism in the region.