Ilumetsa craters

The Ilumetsa craters consist of two circular depressions measuring approximately 75-80 meters and 50 meters in diameter respectively, surrounded by raised rims reaching several meters in height with organic sediments preserved at their bases.

Radiocarbon dating analysis of charcoal deposits indicates that both meteorite impact structures formed simultaneously during the early Holocene period, approximately 6,660 to 7,170 years before present, representing a rare double impact event in northern Europe.

These protected geological formations serve as important educational sites for planetary science research and attract visitors interested in understanding extraterrestrial impact processes, despite the absence of confirmed meteorite fragments at the location.

Visitors can access the site via local roads with informational signage providing geological context, while the protected status ensures preservation of the crater structures for ongoing scientific investigation and educational purposes.

The simultaneous formation of two separate craters located 725 meters apart suggests they resulted from a fragmented meteorite or binary impact event, making this one of Estonia's most intriguing probable impact sites.

Location: Võru Rural Municipality

GPS coordinates: 57.96005,27.40290

Latest update: July 23, 2025 15:18