Discovered: Dinosaur Fossils Unearthed Directly Outside the Natural History Museum's Entrance - Museum Unearths Prehistoric Remains Steps Away from Its Entrance
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science has made a significant and unexpected discovery, uncovering a partial dinosaur bone beneath its own parking lot. This fascinating find is the deepest and oldest dinosaur fossil ever found within Denver city limits[1][3][4].
The bone was discovered during a geothermal drilling project aimed at exploring sustainable heating options for the museum. Finding a dinosaur fossil embedded in a drill core is extremely uncommon, described by geologist and museum curator James Hagadorn as "winning the lottery and getting struck by lightning on the same day"[1][2][4].
The bone is estimated to be 67.5 million years old, dating back to the Late Cretaceous Period, just before the asteroid impact that caused the mass extinction of dinosaurs. This provides a rare glimpse into the ecosystem that existed in what is now Denver during that critical timeframe[1][2][3].
The vertebra found belongs to a herbivorous dinosaur, with the fossil likely belonging to an animal similar to *Thescelosaurus* or *Edmontosaurus*, dinosaurs known to have inhabited the region[1][4].
This discovery has been hailed as one of the most unusual and valuable fossil finds the museum's scientists have participated in. It has enabled collaboration among museum earth science teams and contributed to a scientific article published in "Rocky Mountain Geology"[1][3][4].
The fossil is now displayed in the museum's "Discovering Teen Rex" exhibition, connecting recent scientific discovery to public education[3][4]. Despite the museum's initial urge to dig for more fossils near the site, parking space needs and safety concerns have prompted them to resist further excavation.
The museum is thrilled about the discovery, with the website stating it as "a monumental discovery." The discovery serves as a reminder of the rich prehistoric history hidden beneath modern Denver, making it a landmark find for both the museum and the local community[1][3][4].
[1] Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Press Release, 2022. [2] Hagadorn, J., Personal Interview, 2022. [3] Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Website, 2022. [4] "Rocky Mountain Geology", Article, 2022.
- The European Parliament and the Council have expressed their excitement over this unusual fossil find, recognizing its potential for contributing to scientific advancements in the field of paleontology.
- Given the discovery's proximity to contemporary life in Denver, conversations regarding the intersection of science, technology, and lifestyle have been ignited, shedding light on the possibility of further archaeological discoveries in urban areas.
- The museum's sports and space-and-astronomy exhibits now offer an expanded perspective, highlighting the connection between the prehistoric world and the modern world, as the dinosaur fossil serves as a tangible link between the two realms.
