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Odessa

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description Odessa Overview

The Odessa meteorite impact crater is located near Odessa, Texas, and was discovered in the 1920s as one of the earliest recognized impact sites in the United States. The main crater is approximately 168 meters across and 30 meters deep, formed roughly 50,000 years ago during the Pleistocene epoch. Multiple smaller craters exist nearby, and thousands of iron meteorite fragments have been recovered from the site.

help Odessa FAQ

Where is the Odessa meteor crater?

The crater field lies southwest of Odessa in Ector County, Texas. The principal crater and several smaller associated depressions were recognized and investigated during the early 20th century.

How large is the main Odessa crater?

The main depression is roughly 170 meters across, although erosion and infilling make its original shape less obvious today. It is far smaller than Arizona's roughly 1.2-kilometer-wide Meteor Crater.

What kind of meteorite created the Odessa crater?

The impactor was an iron meteorite, and fragments classified as the Odessa meteorite have been recovered around the site. Much of the original mass fragmented or vaporized during impact rather than remaining as one buried object.

Can visitors still see the Odessa impact crater?

Yes, the site has been preserved as a public attraction near Odessa, though the shallow main crater can look less dramatic than a fresh impact scar. A trail and interpretive information help distinguish the crater from the surrounding West Texas terrain.

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