Vredefort Crater

The Vredefort Crater is a giant, ancient impact basin in South Africa formed about 2 billion years ago when a massive asteroid struck the Earth. Its immense energy carved out a massive, elliptical depression, making it the oldest and largest known impact crater on Earth, measuring approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) across. Over time, geological processes have softened its features, but the crater’s remnants reveal fascinating insights into Earth’s history and the planet’s geological activity. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its significance in understanding planetary impacts and Earth's evolution.