Odessa Meteor Crater
Posted by: 
GeoGrands
N 31° 45.220 W 102° 28.440
13R E 739264 N 3515908
The Meteor Crater, approximately 550 feet in diameter, is the second largest in the nation. IH 20 exit 108, south 2 miles to Crater site.
Waymark Code: WM167W
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 01/29/2007
Views: 111
Three craters make up the depression, which was formed in prehistoric time when thousands of iron meteorites known as octahedrites fell on the site. The largest crater covers ten acres. Two smaller and now-filled craters flank it. The rim of the largest crater rises from five to seven feet above the general level of the surrounding plain. The largest crater is filled by wash and wind-blown material to within nine to fourteen feet of the rim. The roughly circular depression is 500 to 650 feet wide from rim to rim. The impact of the meteorites displaced Cretaceous limestone, lifting it forty-five to fifty feet above its original position, folding it into a vertical position, and faulting it. The principal meteorite mass has been determined by bore holes to be near the center of the largest crater at a depth of 164 feet.
It is approximately ten miles west of Odessa; via Interstate 20, exit 108. Self-guided tour and the Thomas Rodman Museum and Visitor Center on site. Museum hours Tuesday- Saturday: 9 AM- 6PM; Sunday, 1 PM-6 PM. Crater Trail is open for self guided tours everyday from 9 AM-6 PM. (432) 381-0946. Free admission.
Predominate Feature: The main crater.
Parking/Access Location: N 31° 45.417 W 102° 28.729
Ownership: Other Public Entity
Terrain Rating: 
Admission Charged: yes
Landmark's Website: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:At least one photograph personally taken by the Waymarker must be posted.
Visitor should describe the experience of their visit.