New project aims to connect everyday life with the universe
People in Plymouth are being asked to help uncover cosmic dust from outer space
A new initiative led by the University of Plymouth is inviting residents to participate in the hunt for micrometeorites - tiny extraterrestrial particles - around their homes and gardens.
Micrometeorites, which measure less than a millimetre, survive their journey through Earth's atmosphere and land across the planet, including urban environments like Plymouth.
The Cosmic Dust in the City project, spearheaded by Dr Stephen Grimes, aims to bring scientific curiosity into local communities by encouraging residents to collect and identify these cosmic visitors.
Associate Professor in Stable Isotope Geochemistry and Climate Change Dr Stephen Grimes said: "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.
"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.
"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."
During the first phase, public talks and workshops will be held to introduce participants to micrometeorites and provide guidelines on how to locate them. These sessions will take place in schools, libraries, and community centres.
Participants will gather sediment from rooftops and gutters during the second phase. The project team will provide tools such as magnets, sieves, and microscopes, along with online tutorials, to help isolate potential micrometeorites.
In the third phase, collected samples will be analysed at the Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre, with findings shared via the project website and through a public exhibition.
By engaging schools, community groups, and amateur science enthusiasts, the project seeks to connect everyday life with the cosmos and contribute to the scientific understanding of Earth's atmospheric history, planetary formation, and climate evolution.
Dr Stephen Grimes said: "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.
"And citizen science projects such as ours can help overcome a key challenge in urban micrometeorite research, accessing multiple sample sites and processing material to build a national archive.
"Such an archive would enable researchers to 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."
Detailed training will be provided to ensure accurate and safe collection of samples, and residents will be given equipment to help them identify particles likely to be from space based on their metallic content.