Asteroid Institute advisor Scott Manley and researchers visit Meteor Crater to study an ancient asteroid impact

Asteroid Institute recently organized an annual expedition into Meteor Crater. Thanks to the Barringer Family, Asteroid Institute researchers have non-public access to the crater’s rim and base. Asteroid Institute is composed of multidisciplinary experts who specialize in asteroid impact prevention, asteroid detection, software engineering, and STEM education. Asteroid Institute is developing the Asteroid Discovery Analysis and Mapping (ADAM) platform and works closely with scientists at the Vera C. Rubin Observatory and at University of Washington’s DiRAC (Institute for Data Intensive Research in Astrophysics and Cosmology). 

The 2021 Meteor Crater expedition included scientists and researchers from University of Washington, and Asteroid Institute strategic advisor Scott Manley. Manley is an astrophysicist and a professional gamer and software engineer. He recently published a report on YouTube about the research trip. His videos are entertaining and highly educational.  

Meteor Crater, Arizona / MeteorCrater.com

Manley recorded the crater specs while in its base. In his video, he explained how the meteorite exploded upon impact and that its remnants were scattered across the surrounding area. At about 600 feet deep, the site is an example of the effect asteroid collisions can have on Earth.  

B612 President Danica Remy thanked the Barringer family and Meteor Crater staff for welcoming Asteroid Institute researchers. Remy reminded guests that “the best thing the public can do is advocate for increased funding to accelerate asteroid discovery rates.” As seen in Manley’s video, asteroid impacts are real.

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