Meteor Crater Visitor Center, Visitor center and museum at Meteor Crater, Arizona, US
Meteor Crater Visitor Center is a museum and information facility located on the rim of a deep impact crater with multiple viewing areas and indoor exhibition spaces. The facility displays exhibits about meteor science and allows visitors to observe the crater from various vantage points.
The crater formed roughly 50,000 years ago when a meteorite struck the land, creating a permanent geographical feature that eventually drew scientific attention. In the twentieth century, space programs chose this location to train astronauts for lunar exploration missions.
The center carries the name of the cosmic event that shaped this place, and it serves as a gathering point where people connect with the natural forces that created the landscape. Visitors can stand at overlooks and witness how a single moment millions of years ago left a permanent mark on the terrain.
The center is open daily and offers pathways along the crater rim plus clearly marked trails to various viewpoints. Access is manageable for most visitors, though the location becomes hot on warm days and sun protection is recommended.
The largest known meteorite fragment from the impact site is kept at the center and can be viewed by visitors. This piece was recovered after years of excavation and remains one of the main exhibits in the collection.
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