The Meteorite Museum is situated in the commune of San Pedro de Atacama, in the Antofagasta Region of Chile. It is renowned for its permanent exhibition of a vast collection of meteorites that were discovered in the Atacama Desert, located in the northern part of the country.
The museum's collection of meteorites started in 1983 with the discovery of a pallasite next to the Imilac crater in the Antofagasta Region. Over the years, the collection has grown and now boasts over 6000 specimens. These meteorites have been studied, certified, and classified by prestigious institutions such as NASA, UCLA, and the European Centre for Research and Teaching of Environmental Geosciences (CEREGE).
The museum's exhibition is organized into four distinct themes: "Entry, search and impact craters of meteorites in the Atacama Desert", "Meteorites and the evolution of rocky planets in the solar system", "Meteorites as precursors of extraterrestrial life", and "Touching the stars", which is an interactive and sensory area. Each theme provides a unique perspective on meteorites and their significance in our understanding of the universe.
Nature & Natural History Geology
Tocopilla 201, San Pedro de Atacama
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Meteorite Museum has 1 rating.
The Meteorite Museum in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, offers visitors an intriguing look into the world of meteorites and astronomy. Located in the heart of the Atacama Desert, known for its clear skies and astronomical significance, this small but informative museum houses an impressive collection of meteorites found in the region.
Visitors generally appreciate the museum's focused approach, with many praising the knowledgeable staff who provide insightful explanations about the exhibits. The collection includes a variety of meteorites, including some that can be touched, which adds an interactive element to the experience.
The museum's location in San Pedro de Atacama complements the overall experience, as the area is renowned for its stargazing opportunities. Many visitors find that the museum enhances their understanding and appreciation of the night sky activities available in the region.
However, some visitors note that the museum is relatively small and can be explored quite quickly. A few mention that the entrance fee might seem a bit high for the size of the museum, although most find the experience worthwhile.
The museum's displays are primarily in Spanish, which can be a drawback for non-Spanish speaking visitors. However, many report that the visual nature of the exhibits and any available English translations or guides help to mitigate this issue.
Overall, the Meteorite Museum offers an educational and engaging experience for those interested in space science, geology, and astronomy. Its unique focus and the opportunity to see and touch actual meteorites make it a worthwhile stop for many visitors to San Pedro de Atacama, especially those planning to engage in stargazing activities in the area.
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