Chicxulub museum, geosciences in Mexico, outreach and science communication – built from the crater up

Abstract

The Chicxulub science museum is special, in that it is built around an event in geological time representing a turning point in the planet's history and which brings together the Earth system components. Studies on the Chicxulub impact, mass extinction and Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary provide an engaging context for effective geoscience communication, outreach and education. The museum is part of a research complex in Yucatán Science and Technology Park in Mexico. Natural history museums with research components allow for the integration of up-to-date advances, expanding their usefulness and capabilities. The impact ranks among the major single events shaping Earth's history, triggering global climatic change and wiping out ∼76 % of species. The ∼200 km Chicxulub crater is the best preserved of three large terrestrial multi-ring impact structures, being a natural laboratory for investigating impact dynamics, crater formation and planetary evolution. The initiative builds on the interest that this geological site has for visitors, scholars and students by developing wide-reaching projects, a collaboration network and academic activities. The Chicxulub complex serves as a hub for multi- and interdisciplinary projects on the Earth and planetary sciences, climate change and life evolution, fulfilling a recognized task for communication of geosciences. After decades of studies, the Chicxulub impact remains under intense scrutiny, and this programme with the core facilities built inside the crater will be a major player.