Hunting for Micrometeorites in Ancient Rocks

Position Description: Micrometeorites are tiny extraterrestrial particles that survive when passing through Earth's atmosphere, accumulating on Earth's surface over geological time. During atmospheric entry, they can melt and react with Earth's atmosphere while also becoming magnetized by Earth's magnetic field. Consequently, the composition and magnetism of ancient micrometeorites provide records of Earth's primordial atmosphere and magnetic field conditions. The student will have opportunities to isolate micrometeorites from 2.7 billion-year-old carbonate rocks collected from Western Australia, analyze their mineralogy, and measure their chemistry and magnetism using sophisticated instrumentation like a microprobe and quantum diamond microscope.

Project Dates: July 1-26, 2024

Number of Available Positions: 2

Location: In-person

Pay Rate: $1000 stipend at completion of program

Qualifications/Requirements:

• No prior knowledge of the topic is necessary

• Computer and internet connection is required

The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) welcomes everyone and aims for a diverse and inclusive community. Preference will be given to freshman and sophomore students, but we encourage all interested students to apply. Students who are already working with members of the EPS community and non-Harvard students are not eligible for this position.