Magnetic Minerals and Meteorites

Position Description: Magnetic minerals in rocks can record the direction and strength of the ambient magnetic field when they form or cool from high temperatures. This allows us to use meteorites from rocky bodies in the solar system (or maps of their magnetic fields) to study their magnetic histories, which can in turn tell us a lot about their early cooling histories and the properties of their deep interiors. The goal of this project is to use meteorites to learn about the types of magnetic minerals that might be present in the crusts of Mercury and other highly reduced bodies.

The student will take magnetic images of meteorite samples to characterize their key magnetic properties. The student will learn how to prepare and handle meteorite samples and use modern magnetic imaging tools. There will also be opportunities for the student to learn basic coding skills, if interested.

Project Dates: July 1-26, 2024

Number of Available Positions: 1

Location: In-person

Pay Rate: $1000 stipend at completion of program

Qualifications/Requirements:

• No prior knowledge of the topic is necessary

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.