News
November 19, 2025
Walk through the asteroid strike that killed the dinosaurs with American Museum of Natural History's new 'Impact' exhibit
"It sounds like science fiction or the stuff of Hollywood movies."
**Step back in time and witness the cataclysmic asteroid strike that wiped out the dinosaurs with the American Museum of Natural History's groundbreaking new exhibition, "Impact."**
"It sounds like science fiction or the stuff of Hollywood movies," says museum representatives, and indeed, the exhibit promises to transport visitors to a pivotal moment in Earth's history: the Chicxulub impact event. This catastrophic collision, which occurred approximately 66 million years ago, marked the end of the Cretaceous period and the reign of the dinosaurs, forever altering the course of life on our planet.
"Impact" isn't just a collection of fossils and dusty displays. It's an immersive experience designed to engage all the senses and offer a visceral understanding of the asteroid's devastating effects. The exhibit leverages cutting-edge technology to recreate the sheer scale and intensity of the event. Visitors will encounter simulations depicting the initial impact, the subsequent earthquakes and tsunamis, and the long-term environmental consequences, including the global wildfires and the "impact winter" that followed.
The exhibition showcases the latest scientific research and findings related to the Chicxulub impactor, its trajectory, and its composition. Through interactive displays, visitors can learn about the geological evidence that supports the impact theory, including the presence of iridium, a rare element on Earth but abundant in asteroids, found in a layer of sediment deposited worldwide at the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary.
"Impact" also highlights the remarkable resilience of life. While the asteroid strike led to a mass extinction, it also paved the way for the rise of mammals and, eventually, humans. The exhibit explores how some species managed to survive the catastrophic event and how life rebounded in the aftermath.
This is more than just a history lesson; it's a reminder of the fragility of our planet and the power of natural forces. "Impact" offers a unique opportunity to confront one of the most significant events in Earth's history, fostering a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of life and the importance of understanding our planet's past to navigate its future. Prepare to be amazed and humbled by the sheer power of nature as you walk through the asteroid strike that changed everything.
"It sounds like science fiction or the stuff of Hollywood movies," says museum representatives, and indeed, the exhibit promises to transport visitors to a pivotal moment in Earth's history: the Chicxulub impact event. This catastrophic collision, which occurred approximately 66 million years ago, marked the end of the Cretaceous period and the reign of the dinosaurs, forever altering the course of life on our planet.
"Impact" isn't just a collection of fossils and dusty displays. It's an immersive experience designed to engage all the senses and offer a visceral understanding of the asteroid's devastating effects. The exhibit leverages cutting-edge technology to recreate the sheer scale and intensity of the event. Visitors will encounter simulations depicting the initial impact, the subsequent earthquakes and tsunamis, and the long-term environmental consequences, including the global wildfires and the "impact winter" that followed.
The exhibition showcases the latest scientific research and findings related to the Chicxulub impactor, its trajectory, and its composition. Through interactive displays, visitors can learn about the geological evidence that supports the impact theory, including the presence of iridium, a rare element on Earth but abundant in asteroids, found in a layer of sediment deposited worldwide at the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary.
"Impact" also highlights the remarkable resilience of life. While the asteroid strike led to a mass extinction, it also paved the way for the rise of mammals and, eventually, humans. The exhibit explores how some species managed to survive the catastrophic event and how life rebounded in the aftermath.
This is more than just a history lesson; it's a reminder of the fragility of our planet and the power of natural forces. "Impact" offers a unique opportunity to confront one of the most significant events in Earth's history, fostering a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of life and the importance of understanding our planet's past to navigate its future. Prepare to be amazed and humbled by the sheer power of nature as you walk through the asteroid strike that changed everything.
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Technology