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A Guide to Collecting Micrometeorites.

Every day material from space passes through our atmosphere and lands on the Earth’s surface. This includes dust from space or micrometeorites that are the very small cousins of meteorites that we often see as shooting stars. This page will provide you with a simple method to collect micrometeorites and a few ideas for science fair projects.

Materials and Equipment.

• White paper or plastic – large sheet.
• Magnifying glass or microscope.
• Magnet.
• Collecting jars, vials or old photographic film cases.

Warning Hazard.
None. This project is safe for ages 5 – 7.

Method.

1. Clear still days are best. Time of year is unimportant. 2. Unfold the sheet and leave it outside for several hours. 3. Collect the sheet being careful to roll the sides up to make sure that all of the collected material goes to the center of the sheet. 4. Place a magnet under where the material has been collected. 5. Gently tilt the sheet to remove non-magnetic material. 6. Collect the magnetic material in small containers. Old photographic film cases are ideal. 7. The collected material can be inspected with the magnifying glass or microscope at a magnification of 10 – 20 X.

ote: micrometeorites are dark spherical objects with pitted surfaces. Check the links below for photographs that will help you identify these particles.

Experimental Ideas.

Simply finding micrometeorites is an interesting project that shows how, even though we have an atmosphere, objects from space can reach the Earth’s surface.

Try measuring how much material falls to Earth over different periods of time. Is it constant? Can you calculate how much falls on the earth each day?

At High school you may have the facilities to identify what the chemical composition of the micrometeorites.

Compare the amount of material falling each day and try correlating the amounts with different astronomical events. This can include phases of the moon Over much longer periods try to compare the passing of meteor showers with the amount of material.

How about designing a method to more efficiently collect micrometeorites.

Useful Links.

Micrometeorites. Collecting Micrometeorites. Meteorites