A citizen science project is looking for people to find tiny micrometeorites that plunge to the ground in a British city.
Yesterday, NASA‘s Artemis 2 crew travelled the furthest away from Earth of any humans in history during a mission to the far side of the moon.
On Earth, another hopeful space discovery is ongoing.
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Millions of the particles, which measure less than a millimetre and weigh less than a gram, make it through the Earth’s atmosphere daily.
Scientists in Plymouth, Devon, are urging people to scour gutters and rooftops safely to find them, as reported by Whats The Jam.
These so-called citizen scientists could help a key challenge in urban micrometeorite research by accessing multiple sample sites and processing material to build a national archive.
“Micrometeorites are extraterrestrial particles which survive atmospheric entry and fall to Earth, contributing to estimates of up to 44,000kg of space dust deposited daily,” said Dr Stephen Grimes of the University of Plymouth’s Cosmic Dust in the City project.
“Traditionally found in polar regions, deserts, and deep-sea sediments, there are recent studies showing they can also be found in urban environments like Plymouth.
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“This project will transform mundane rooftops and gutters all around Plymouth into portals to the cosmos, creating a tangible link between everyday life and outer space.
“By involving schools, community groups and amateur science enthusiasts, we hope to engage more people in the world of scientific discovery.
“Micrometeorites are samples of the Solar System’s building blocks which can offer insights into early planetary formation, Earth’s atmospheric history, and climate evolution.”
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The space dust hunt could help researchers assess cosmic dust flux, identify variations over millions of years, and improve understanding of where and when particles enter the atmosphere and how they change once they have landed on Earth.
Citizen scientists are being encouraged to use magnets, sieves, and microscopes provided by the project to isolate potential micrometeorites.
Dr Grimes added: “You just need a dustpan and brush to brush the stuff out of a gutter or off a flat roof.
“You need a bowl to wash it in, to wash away that organic matter, a sieve to get it to the right size fraction and then a magnet to sort out the magnetic fraction because these micrometeorites have got iron in them.”
The isolated candidate particles will be analysed at the Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre, and their discoveries will be shared on a project website and a public exhibition.
It is almost impossible to see a micrometeorite with the naked eye, with people to be given detailed training about collecting samples safely.
Dr Grimes added: “If something has come from space, it will likely include metals that will attach to the magnet and the sieves will enable people to sift possible micrometeorites from other materials.
“There is the wow factor for people.
“It’s the opportunity for people to find their own bit of space rock.”
