Meteor Crater
Arizona
Meteor Crater, also known as Barringer Crater, is a remarkable natural impact site located in northern Arizona. Approximately 3,900 feet in diameter and 560 feet deep, it was formed around 50,000 years ago during the Pleistocene epoch by a nickel-iron meteorite roughly 160 feet across. The crater's rim rises about 148 feet above the surrounding plains, and its unique squared-off shape is due to regional geological fractures. This site is considered the best-preserved meteorite crater on Earth, largely because of its relatively young age and the dry Arizona climate, which have minimized erosion. The crater was pivotal in confirming the extraterrestrial origin of impact craters, thanks to early 20th-century investigations by Daniel M. Barringer and others. Today, visitors can explore the crater rim, enjoy multiple observation points, and learn about meteorite impacts and planetary defense at the on-site Discovery Center and Barringer Space Museum. The site also has a historic connection to NASA, as Apollo 11 astronauts trained here for lunar missions. Despite being privately owned, Meteor Crater is recognized as a National Natural Landmark and attracts adventurers, scientists, and tourists alike for its geological and cultural significance.
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Consejo: For the best experience, visit Meteor Crater during the cooler months of spring and fall to avoid Arizona's summer heat. Purchase tickets online in advance to secure guided rim tours and access to the Discovery Center. Take advantage of educational programs and family-friendly attractions like the Blast Zone. Allow ample time to hike the rim and visit the museum to fully appreciate the site's history and science. Discounts may be available for groups, seniors, and children. Check the official website for current opening hours and event schedules before visiting.
Datos interesantes
- •Meteor Crater is about 3,900 feet (1,200 meters) in diameter and 560 feet (170 meters) deep.
- •The meteorite that formed the crater was about 160 feet (50 meters) across and mostly vaporized upon impact.
- •The crater's squared-off shape is due to regional geological jointing in the rock strata.
- •Apollo 11 astronauts trained at Meteor Crater to prepare for the 1969 moon mission.
- •The crater is privately owned by the Barringer family through the Barringer Crater Company.
- •It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1967 due to its scientific importance.
Historia
Meteor Crater was formed about 50,000 years ago when a nickel-iron meteorite approximately 160 feet wide struck the Colorado Plateau at high velocity, creating a crater nearly a mile wide and 560 feet deep.
Initially thought to be volcanic in origin, the impact hypothesis was championed by Daniel M.
Barringer in the early 1900s, who acquired the site for mining meteorite fragments.
Early scientific studies, including those by mineralogist Albert E.
Foote and geologist Grove Karl Gilbert, helped establish its extraterrestrial origin.
Over time, erosion has modestly reduced the rim's height, but the crater remains exceptionally well preserved.
It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1967 and continues to be a key site for planetary science and impact research.
Guía del lugar
Crater Rim Observation Points
Several outdoor lookout spots around the crater rim offer breathtaking panoramic views of the impact site and surrounding desert landscape, ideal for photography and contemplation.
Guided Rim Tours
Expert-guided hikes along the crater rim provide detailed explanations of the crater's formation, geology, and history, including insights into the meteorite impact and subsequent erosion processes.
Discovery Center & Barringer Space Museum
An educational facility featuring dozens of exhibits about meteorites, impact craters worldwide, and Earth's protection from future impacts. Includes the largest meteorite found at the site, the 1,406-pound Holsinger Meteorite.
Collision! 4D Theater Experience
An immersive 4D movie that simulates the meteorite impact event, providing visitors with a vivid understanding of the forces involved in creating the crater.
The Blast Zone
A family-friendly interactive area designed for children to learn about meteor impacts through hands-on exhibits and activities.
Apollo 11 Space Capsule Exhibit1969
Showcases the Apollo 11 capsule and details the connection between Meteor Crater and NASA's lunar missions, emphasizing astronaut training conducted on-site.
Contacto
Teléfono: (928) 289-5898
