Approximately 50,000 years ago, on a continuous plain extending for miles in the high desert plateau of Northern Arizona, out of the northeastern sky, a pinpoint of light grew rapidly into a brilliant fireball. This body was probably broken off from an asteroid during an ancient collision in the main asteroid belt (between the planets, Mars and Jupiter) some half billion years ago. Hurtling about 26,000 miles per hour, it was on a rendezvous course with earth. In seconds, it passed through the earth's atmosphere with little loss of velocity or mass.
As a result of the impact, the crater floor was 700 feet deep; it is now approximately 550 feet deep. The crater is over 4,000 feet across and 2.4 miles in circumference.
As a result of the impact, the crater floor was 700 feet deep; it is now approximately 550 feet deep. The crater is over 4,000 feet across and 2.4 miles in circumference.
Have always wanted go there. Can you imagine what the impact was like? Check out Sunset Crater (it's not far from there).
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Sorry we didn't catch up with you at Sam's Town when you were there. We went to Valley of Fire on March 10 & 11. That is where our dream to have an RV was born, so how could we not since we were so close in LV. Hope to catch you on the road sometime tp show off OUR Thumper. Mike and Catherine. Thumperpull on Good Sam
ReplyDeleteWe were at the Meteor Crater back in June 2008 and was completely amazed at how massive it was. Our kids were blown away...literally! The wind was so bad our daughter (8 yrs) was holding on for dear life while we looked out the observation deck. We were on our way to the Grand Canyon and had just past by seeing a sign and decided to take the mini detour and we were so glad we did. Our world has some amazing things to show us and being out there and seeing it for yourself is the best way! Happy travels!
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