WINSLOW, AZ (AZFamily) — An asteroid hit the Earth in what is now known as northern Arizona about 50,000 years ago. It left a giant crater that draws people from all over the world.

Nestled between Flagstaff and Winslow, about 550 feet deep and almost a mile wide, sits the Meteor Crater. Lowell Observatory historian Kevin Schindler said it’s spooky that the most preserved meteor crater on the planet sits in the backyard of the observatory.

“So they’re studying things up in space,” Schindler said. “Here’s a place where an impact has actually happened. You can see the whole thing right here in northern Arizona.”

Asteroids have hit areas all over the planet, but Arizona’s is the best-preserved crater on the planet.

“A big rock about the size of a 747 traveling at about 40,000 miles per hour ripped through the atmosphere,” Schindler said. “Then it bashed into the surface here.”

The crater alone draws in tens of thousands of visitors every year. Vice President of Operations at Meteor Crater Enterprises, Andrew Tyler, said it’s an honor to work at such an amazing landmark.

“I feel inspired working and visiting here,” Tyler said. “We have people from all over the world come out for the experience.”

June 30 is extra special because it marks Asteroid Day, a celebration that has been observed internationally for over 100 years. Tyler said people can not only physically see the impact but also learn about its historical significance.

“Every astronaut that’s been to the moon has trained here at Meteor Crater,” Tyler said. “NASA is continuing their training out here.”

Both the crater and Lowell are hosting special events, including a talk from a real astronaut. Schindler said you can’t help but think about your place in the universe when standing in front of a crater so grand.

“Think about who we are and where we came from, and a place like Meteor Crater and Lowell Observatory, those are great places to do that,” he said.

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