Arizona’s Meteor Crater

Even at 50,000 years old, the crater is relatively young and remarkably well-preserved compared to other craters. Because of this, scientists have studied the site extensively to learn about cratering processes – how they work on Earth and elsewhere in the solar system – and about the modern hazards posed by asteroid impacts. The Meteor Crater was formed from the impact of an iron-nickel asteroid about 150 feet across. Most of the asteroid melted or vaporized on impact. The collision initially formed a crater over 4,000 feet across and 700 feet deep. Subsequent erosion has partially filled the crater, which is now only 550 feet deep. Layers of exposed limestone and sandstone are visible just beneath the crater rim, as are large stone blocks excavated by the impact. Today Meteor Crater is a famous tourist attraction with a museum featuring displays about the history of the crater and asteroid impact science. Meteor Crater, AZ is also a wonderful laboratory for research by scientists who come from all over the world to study the crater. In order to preserve the site for future generations there is no hiking of the crater rim or interior allowed. However, there is a guided hike offered when weather permits that is informative and enjoyable.

Discovery Center Observation Deck

Four Lookout Points feature spectacular views of the Meteor Crater and the breathtaking desert landscape. You can enjoy these outdoor areas or take in an incredible view of the crater from inside the airconditioned comfort of the Discovery Center.

Observation Deck

The first observation area is immediately behind the Discovery Center. There are benches so you can rest while taking in all the details of the crater. There are two telescopes here available for sightseeing all the details. Learn about the history and Impact Science behind this incredible natural landmark. Listen and learn while The Meteor Crater Tour Guides retell the

50,000 year-old stories and geologic impact created from this rare event. You’ll see how the south crater wall is noticeably uplifted, showing how sandstone and limestone beds, which were once deeply buried, are now more than 250 feet above their pre-impact levels and higher than anywhere else at the crater. Arizona’s dry climate has helped preserve the crater, keeping it almost unchanged since its formation. You can get acquainted with the different kinds of creatures and flora that surround the impact site and get up close and personal to this natural wonder while hiking on the edge of the rim. You will also learn about impact processes that played a prominent role in the development of our planets, satellites, asteroids, and comets. The geologic and planetary records are clear, collisions ranging in size from microscopic to gigantic events have occurred since the beginning of the solar system and this is your chance to walk on the rim of the bestpreserved meteorite impact site on earth, It’s an easy 30-40 minute hike and will give you a great perspective on how the earth was forever changed after impact.

Hands-On At the Discovery Center

Visitors can choose to experience and explore the crater in an air-conditioned indoor viewing area, outside on one of the observation decks, on selfguided trails, or take a tour along the rim where you can learn about all the details from one of the experienced tour guides. The Meteor Crater is much more than just the world’s best-preserved meteorite impact site, as the Interactive Discovery Center boasts hands-on exhibits and displays where you can immerse yourself into the science and history of meteorite impacts around the globe. Enjoy learning about the incredible history of the best-preserved meteorite impact site. The 80-seat, widescreen theater gives you a chance to relax in comfort and be entertained while the short movie gives you history on this spectacular event. Impact: The Mystery of Meteor Crater covers the history and geology of this impact and describes how it was eventually proven to be a meteorite impact site through the work of Daniel M. Barringer. This same process is now used worldwide to assist in proving other impact sites. You can make your trip to the crater a wild west adventure with a visit to the Meteor Crater Mining Company. It’s the new coffee house and lounge which offers an assortment of fresh-daily grab ‘n go foods, tasty treats, and custom flavors of java. And, of course, you can visit the nearby gift shop.

https://meteorcrater.com