Discover the Astonishing Tale of Odessa, Texas’ Meteor Encounter

Did you know that Odessa was the landing spot of an actual meteor? The museum is quite a wonder and offers neat things for visitors.

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HOW IT WAS DISCOVERED

The meteorite was discovered on Henderson Ranch in 1892. Julius Henderson was out on the ranch working with the cattle and found the meteorite but didn't realize what it was. Nothing came of it for a while.

Dr. A. B. Bibbins ended up with the meteorite and sent it to the United States National Museum. There Mr. E. V. Shannon was able to analyze it and Dr. George P. Merrill published a small report in the American Journal of Science in May 1922. By 1926 Dr. Merrill was on his way to check out the meteor site for himself.

WHEN DID IT ORIGINALLY HIT

It is estimated the meteor hit around 63,000 years ago, around the end of the Ice Age. The original impact created a crater 115 feet deep and 394 feet across. Over time high wind and heavy rain erosion have contributed to its size and now it's 15 feet deep and 550 feet across.

ODESSA METEOR CRATER MUSEUM

Inside the museum, many meteors from around the world are on display. You can get many souvenirs from the shop and fun meteor facts. Outside is where the true magic happens! You can explore the meteor impact site by taking the trail set out by the museum. They understand the west Texas heat can get to you so they have plenty of park benches to sit and overlook the site. They also have a model-to-scale display of the whole solar system that is condensed to about 2 miles.

Many people who were born in Odessa don't even know this exists! If you are ready to see the city in a way you have never seen before make sure to visit the Odessa Meteor Crater Museum site.