Henbury Meteorites: A Journey Through Space and Time

Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve offers a unique opportunity to witness the dramatic effects of a meteor impact on the Earth's surface. Located 145 kilometers southwest of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, the reserve is home to a field of 12 craters formed approximately 4,700 years ago when a meteor broke apart and slammed into the ground. The largest of the craters is 180 meters wide and 15 meters deep, while the smallest is barely discernible. A self-guided walking track allows visitors to explore the craters and imagine the power of the impact. The sharp outlines of the craters have been softened over thousands of years by wind and rain. The best time to visit is during the cooler months (April to September), with early morning or late afternoon light providing the most dramatic views. The Henbury crater field is also significant in Aboriginal culture. The area lies at the crossroads of several language groups and is considered a sacred site to the Arrernte people. According to local stories, the Aboriginal people would not drink rainwater that collected in the craters, fearing a "fire-devil" would fill them with iron. Fragments of the Henbury Meteorite, composed mainly of iron (90%) and nickel (8%), can be seen at the Museum of Central Australia in Alice Springs.