The crater is a popular tourist attraction, amazing everyone who has the chance to see. It's other name is Canyon Diablo Crater. However, scientists saw it reasonable to change its name to honor Daniel Barringer, the mining engineer who was the first one that proved the existence of an impact crater on the Earth. In 1967, the crater was designated as a U.S. National Natural Landmark.

It's believed that it dates back to around 50,000 years. Its formation occurred during the Pleistocene epoch, where lush greenery covered the landscape and mammoth and sloths were the inhabitants of Earth.

The meteorite was about 160 feet across and had an impact energy of 10 megatons. It was comprised of nickel and iron and had a speed of around 30,000 miles per hour when it struck Earth. As it's new enough and Arizona's climate is dry, the crater has resisted to be in good shape conditions. If you get the chance to visit it, we suggest you stop by the Visitor Center on the north rim to learn more about the meteorite.

There is also piece of the meteor itself displayed there. What's more, the wind around the crater is quite strong. So, if you throw your arms out, you will also get some beautiful pictures while you're at it. Images credit: Wikipedia/Shane Torgerson, Wikipedia/Grahampurse, Flickr/Mike Beauregard. Visit the crater's website or Facebook page to learn more.