Explore Space Science From Impact to Exploration!

Saturday, June 27, 2026

Join us at Meteor Crater and Lowell Observatory for a full day celebrating Asteroid Day alongside Apollo 9 astronaut Rusty Schweickart, joined by fellow NASA astronauts Steve Smith, Nicole Stott, Ed Lu, and renowned science communicator Scott Manley.

Asteroid Day is an international event commemorating the 1908 Tunguska event, the largest recorded asteroid impact in modern history. Each year, scientists, astronauts, and space communicators gather at Meteor Crater to share discoveries and inspire curiosity about planetary defense and our solar system.

This year’s program will feature astronaut presentations and photo opps, guided crater experiences, special talks and family friendly activities. Guest speakers are made possible through the generous support of the B612 Foundation.

Info

EVENT INFO

When

June 26, 2027

Where

Meteor Crater & Lowell Observatory

Event Schedule

8:00 am

Doors Open at Meteor Crater

Visitors are welcome to explore the Discovery Center exhibits, observation decks, and enjoy the beginning of Asteroid Day programming.

8:30 am

VIP Floor Tour Experience

Guests descend into the bottom of Meteor Crater on this rare guided hiking experience, exploring the crater floor while learning about the site’s geology, mining history, astronaut training legacy, and scientific significance.

Register for the Floor Tour HERE

9:00 am

Full Rim Tour Experience

Guests hike around the rim of Meteor Crater with an expert guide, exploring scenic viewpoints while learning about the science, history, and ongoing research connected to this world-famous impact site.

Register for the Full Rim Tour HERE

10:00 am

Astronauts Dr. Ed Lu and Steve Smith: Stories from Space

Location: Meteor Crater Theater

NASA astronauts Ed Lu and Steve Smith take the stage for a fun and interactive conversation about life in space, spacewalks, rocket launches, and what it’s really like to see Earth from orbit. Featuring personal photos from their missions and plenty of audience questions, this special session offers kids and adults alike a chance to hear firsthand stories from two astronauts who have actually lived and worked in space.

11:00 am

Apollo 9 Astronaut with the 2026 Schweickart Prize Winner

Location: Meteor Crater Theater

What would it take to save Earth from an asteroid? Apollo 9 astronaut Rusty Schweickart joins the 2026 Schweickart Prize winner to discuss the winning proposal and the future of planetary defense — one of the most consequential challenges of our time.

12:00 pm

Scott Manley’s Asteroids, Discovery, and the Future of Planetary Defense

Location: Meteor Crater Theater

Science communicator and YouTuber Scott Manley brings his signature wit and astrophysics expertise to a tour of the latest breakthroughs in asteroid discovery: equal parts fascinating, informative, and unexpectedly funny.

12:00 pm

Astronaut Photo Opportunity with Rusty Schweickart and Steve Smith

Location: Meteor Crater

This session is scheduled to allow guests returning from crater experiences to participate.

2:00 pm

Transition to Lowell Observatory – Flagstaff

Asteroid Day programming continues in Flagstaff at Lowell Observatory with additional presentations, science talks, and evening activities celebrating astronomy and planetary science.

Afternoon & Evening Program – Lowell Observatory

Additional talks and presentations from scientists, authors, and space experts will continue the Asteroid Day celebration at Lowell Observatory.

Full Lowell Observatory schedule to be announced.

Michelle Bargett

5 months ago

Meteor crater and museum was interesting and educational. Guided tours are included in price of admission. Easy guided walking tour with multiple stop... Read More

Meteor crater and museum was interesting and educational. Guided tours are included in price of admission. Easy guided walking tour with multiple stops and large rocks to sit on while your guide talks. There also a self guided tour with platforms for taking great photos. The museum inside is interesting and will help pass the time until the next tour starts. There a coffee shop/lounge area that is connected to the gift shop. There is also a 4D movie there but it was closed when I was there. On Saturday they have full hikes around the crater but don't offer it on there day's. They also offer a pet Ramado so if you travel with pets you can check them in to cool fenced-in pen and small dog run that is connected to the car parking lot. There is also place for your motor home or RV. It's a separate parking lot next to car parking lot, just follow the signs. We paid about 28.00 for each adult Read Less
Tony Skeans

3 weeks ago

Worth the Stop. Worth Going Back… If You’re a Space Enthusiast. Meteor Crater is one of those places I’ve wanted to see for years. Growing up ... Read More

Worth the Stop. Worth Going Back… If You’re a Space Enthusiast. Meteor Crater is one of those places I’ve wanted to see for years. Growing up near Middlesboro, Kentucky, I was already familiar with the idea of a meteor impact site. But there’s something different about standing on the rim of one of the best-preserved meteor craters in the world and seeing its scale with your own eyes. More than anything, I wanted my kids to experience that. It did not disappoint. The crater itself is impressive, but so is the setting. The stark Arizona landscape creates a perfect backdrop, and the visitor center has been designed to take full advantage of it. Everywhere you turn seems to offer another great photo opportunity. Inside, there’s plenty to explore. The exhibits are well done, the space memorabilia is interesting without being overwhelming, and the gift shop was one of the better museum gift shops we’ve visited. Whether you’re traveling with kids or you’re simply curious about space and geology, there’s enough here to make the visit worthwhile. We didn’t have time to eat at the café because we were trying to make it to our next stop before evening, but it was busy enough to suggest it’s a popular choice with visitors. For me, this was exactly the kind of roadside attraction I enjoy finding on a cross-country trip. It breaks up a long day of driving, gives the kids something memorable to experience, and leaves you with a greater appreciation for just how incredible our planet’s history really is. Would I stop again? If I were traveling with someone who had never seen it before, absolutely. Would I make a special trip back just for the crater? Probably not—unless you’re a true space enthusiast. If that’s you, you could easily spend much more time exploring everything the site has to offer. For everyone else, it’s one of those classic American roadside destinations that’s absolutely worth experiencing at least once. Worth the Stop. Worth Going Back… If You’re a Space Enthusiast. Read Less
Jason

2 months ago

Absolutely cool .. though if I'm honest $30+ a person is a bit steep.. but the crater is awesome . Staff was super friendly . There's a decent 4d exp... Read More

Absolutely cool .. though if I'm honest $30+ a person is a bit steep.. but the crater is awesome . Staff was super friendly . There's a decent 4d experience included (best for kids) a short movie about the crater and decent parking. This place is definitely off the beaten path but a gem... I'd say it's the second best hole in the ground I've seen in AZ! Read Less
WOW ENTERTAINMENT WEDDING DJS & EVENT LIGHTING INC

5 months ago

If you're heading west through Arizona on I-40, take 10 minutes and go see this unbelievable site. This is the best example of a meteor crater anywhe... Read More

If you're heading west through Arizona on I-40, take 10 minutes and go see this unbelievable site. This is the best example of a meteor crater anywhere on Earth. The size of it is hard to imagine but it's a mile across. You could put 20 football fields down in the bottom of it and with stadium seating you could have a million spectators if the crater was a stadium. They have a great visitor center that includes a 10-minute movie. It starts every 30 minutes. Very professionally presented. And immaculate facilities. So glad I stopped by Read Less
ricksherman34

3 months ago

If you love space and science, this is a must visit. The crater was used by Apollo crews to train to get ready to be on the moon's surface. Pretty ama... Read More

If you love space and science, this is a must visit. The crater was used by Apollo crews to train to get ready to be on the moon's surface. Pretty amazing that it remains so well preserved. The science center / museum is pretty cool. There is a pretty hefty sized fragment of the original meteor on display as well. It only takes about an hour to see all of the museum and then when you're ready you can take a guided tour of the crater. If you're on I-40 headed out from Flagstaff towards Albuquerque it is a must see. Read Less

Write a Review View All Google Reviews

Events At Meteor Crater

Asteroid Day