This probably has nothing to do with Area 51 and similar places, but I
thought someone here might be able to help.

In April-May of 2005, Google Earth shows the Chinese built a strange
pattern on the ground at 40.45 N, 93.74 E. Judging from other
facilities in the neighborhood, I currently think it's a target for
missiles, probably ballistic ones.

But if it is, why the weird appearance? Perhaps something having to do
with a scene-matching MaRV???

Or is it something else entirely?