Two planetary scientists from the University of Canterbury have embarked on an unconventional mission – hunting for cosmic dust on the roof of Canterbury Cathedral. Dr. Penny Wozniakiewicz and Dr. Matthias van Ginneken are collecting thousands of dust particles in the hopes of finding extraterrestrial dust that could offer valuable insights into the history of Earth and the solar system.
The scientists are specifically searching for micrometeorites, tiny particles that can provide clues about the chemistry of asteroids and meteorites. By studying these micrometeorites, the researchers aim to understand how the flux of cosmic dust changes over time and the impact of these particles on Earth’s chemistry.
The collection and study of micrometeorites have the potential to open up new avenues in planetary science. Dr. Wozniakiewicz and Dr. van Ginneken’s research on cathedral roofs is expanding opportunities for urban micrometeorite collections and shedding light on biases in existing samples. Urban micrometeorites are more accessible and can help introduce a wider audience to the fascinating world of planetary science.
Interest in cosmic dust is growing, with recent missions like NASA’s OSIRIS-REx bringing back materials from asteroids. Scientists believe that cosmic dust could hold important clues to Earth’s distant past and may have played a crucial role in creating a hospitable environment for life on our planet.
Collecting cosmic dust is just the first step in the research process. The scientists must carefully sterilize the particles before studying them under a microscope to identify cosmic spherules, tiny glassy spheres that are often found in micrometeorites. Through their research on the rooftop of Canterbury Cathedral, Dr. Wozniakiewicz and Dr. van Ginneken are pushing the boundaries of planetary science and expanding our understanding of the cosmic origins of Earth.
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