KFMX FM logo
Get our free mobile app

The world looked a lot different over 63,000 years ago, but an event that long ago still leaves a mark on Texas.

Despite being one of the largest meteor crater sites in the United States, not many people know about the Odessa Meteor Crater. The site was formed more than 63,000 years ago when the area was covered by water. The Odessa Meteor Crater is one of three impact crater sites that have been found in Texas. According to CBS7.com, the impact had to move a lot of water out of the way.

“And this was still a big lake so we’re roughly six to four hundred feet underwater. So it had to push a lot of water out of the way to impact the ground. So it became a rainy day very quickly” said Douglas Naetherlin, Museum Curator

While it was formed thousands of years ago, the crater wasn't discovered until 1892. There are actually 5 craters at the Odessa site and it's been reported that over 1500 meteorites have been recovered from the area. The Odessa Meteor Crater at one point was estimated to be 100 ft. deep. However, due to filling, wind, erosion, and back fill, the crater site is now only about 6-8 ft. deep according to NewsWest9.

Google Maps
Google Maps
loading...

The good news? You can visit the Odessa Meteor Crater site and Museum and take a tour. While it may not be as dramatic as the Barringer Crater in Arizona, it is still pretty cool and part of our history.

Google Maps
Google Maps
loading...

GAME ON: These Are the Best High Schools for Sports in Texas

Stacker compiled a list of the best high schools for sports in Texas using data from Niche.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

LOOK: These Are the Counties With the Highest Cancer Rates in Texas

Stacker ranked the counties with the highest cancer rates in Texas using data from the CDC.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

 

LOOK: These Are the Counties With the Highest Unemployment in Texas

Stacker compiled a list of the counties with the highest unemployment in Texas using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Counties are ranked by unemployment rate in November 2023.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

 

 

More From KFMX FM