Meteor Crater

Photo: License: Public Domain

The site was formerly known as the Canyon Diablo Crater, and scientists generally refer to it as Barringer Crater in honor of Daniel Barringer who was first to suggest that it was produced by meteorite impact.

Despite its importance as a geological site, it is not protected as a national monument, a status that would require federal ownership. The crater is still owned by the Barringer family. The crater was designated a national natural landmark in November 1967.

The crater is somewhat misnamed. A meteor is a small space object that burns up in the atmosphere. If the object actually reaches the surface it is referred to as a meteorite.