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Denver Museum Discovers Rare Dinosaur Fossil

A geothermal drilling project at the Denver Museum uncovered a 67.5-million-year-old dinosaur fossil.

July 21, 2025 at 07:00 PM

A Denver Museum Tried to Go Green… and Unearthed a 67-Million-Year-Old Secret

A geothermal drilling project at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science uncovered a dinosaur fossil.

Denver Museum's Geothermal Project Reveals Ancient Dinosaur Fossil

During a geothermal drilling project aimed at transitioning to more sustainable energy, researchers at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science discovered a dinosaur fossil lying 763 feet beneath their parking lot. The fossil, dating back 67.5 million years, is thought to be the oldest and deepest ever found in the Denver area. This surprising find was made while the team collected core samples for geological studies. The dinosaur remains were found embedded within a core sample taken from the earth, alongside traces of ancient vegetation, hinting at a lush environment where the dinosaur lived.

Key Takeaways

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Geothermal drilling led to a significant paleontological discovery.

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The fossil is 67.5 million years old, the oldest found in the area.

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Only two similar finds have been documented worldwide.

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The fossil is from a plant-eating dinosaur, likely a small herbivore.

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Scientific significance of the find is debated within the community.

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The fossil is now on display, attracting public interest.

"Finding a dinosaur bone in a core is like hitting a hole in one from the Moon."

James Hagadorn, curator of geology, signifies the rarity of the discovery.

"Scientifically, it’s not that exciting."

Thomas Williamson's take on the overall scientific importance of the find.

The discovery illustrates the unexpected benefits of environmental initiatives, like the museum's shift towards geothermal energy. While the fossil's identity remains unclear, the find not only highlights the museum's role in paleontological research but also underscores the importance of continually exploring beneath our feet. Diverse opinions within the scientific community suggest that while some celebrate the find's rarity, others question the fossil's overall scientific significance. Nonetheless, it sparks conversations about the intersection of modern technology and ancient history, emphasizing the unpredictability of exploration.

Highlights

This fossil is like hitting a hole in one from the Moon.
Finding a dinosaur bone in a core is as rare as winning the Willy Wonka factory.
We now have a glimpse into a lush ecosystem from 67 million years ago.
Some scientists question the significance of this unexpected find.

Concerns Surrounding Scientific Significance

Not all scientists agree on the importance of the dinosaur fossil discovery, highlighting the varying perspectives within the paleontological community.

As scientists continue to study the fossil, the museum remains a hotspot for both history and innovation.

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geothermal paleontology dinosaur denver museum science environment paleontology museum

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