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Cosmic debris? Dust from the universe? Particles from billions of miles away and millions of years ago in your own backyard? Stranger things have happened, and indeed it is not so strange after all as this experiment shows.

• A large piece of white paper or plastic
• A strong magnet
• A microscope (you might be able to ask your science teacher to use the one at school)

1. On a sunny day, leave your white paper or plastic sheet outside. After several hours (overnight, if you think it will stay dry), roll the sides of the sheet up, tapping the material on the sheet to the center.
2. If this method does not collect enough debris, you can collect dust from a house rain spout, or roof tiles (you’ll need an adult to help you there!) Tree leaves and places such as window sills also may hold micrometeorites. Gently use a brush to sweep the particulate matter into a small container, and then pour it onto a sheet of paper or plastic.
3. Now, pass the magnet under the sheet, so that it’s contacting your collection of dust. Next, gently tilt the paper or plastic sheet to cast away any non-magnetic materials. The micrometeorites will be among the remaining particles. Transfer them to a small container.
4. Get your microscope so you can inspect what you’ve collected. You can best identify the micrometeorites with a magnification of 10-20X.
5. When you see a dark spherical particle with a pitted surface, you’ve found a micrometeorite!

Why it works:

Our atmosphere protects us from much of the interstellar debris that comes in contact with our planet. When you see a “shooting star,” you are actually watching a meteorite burn up in our atmosphere. But, some of it slips through– as this experiment proves. Much of this matter was formed with the rest of the solar system 4 to 5 billion years ago! Way, way before dinosaurs or humans existed. What you have found is, literally, a piece of history.