[meteorite]" This specimen, composed mostly of iron and nickel, was part of a meteorite that hit Arizona about 50,000 years ago. The original meteorite was about 30 m (100 ft.) in diameter. It created a bowlBshaped hole 1200 m (0.75 mi.) across and 200 m (590 ft.) deep now known as Meteor Crater.

Although most of the meteorite vaporized on impact, more than 20,000 fragments have been recovered. This specimen is one of the few large masses discovered. Signs indicating that it flew independently through the atmosphere suggest it separated from the main mass before impact. It was found ten miles northwest of Meteor Crater.

Courtesy of the National Museum of Natural History

Canyon Diablo Meteorite

[Back to:]Return to Meteorites
Contacts | FAQ | Press Room | Privacy | Copyright
Top  Top