Catching Micrometeorites

[Blue Skies (Jacquie)]

Hello all,

I know some people have tried this, but I'm checking that I've got my info right so I can give it a go myself.

Is catching/collecting micrometeorites as simple as sticking a bucket or two on the back lawn? How long should I leave the buckets there?

I understand that I then need a strong magnet to pick out likely suspects. I'm reading some info on how to identify them once you have them, but just getting the catching part right at the moment would be great.

Thanks in advance,
Jacquie

[killswitch (Edison)]

Your roof will have a bigger surface area.

Run a magnet through your roof gutters or stick a permanent magnet somewhere on the output pipe.

[cfranks (Charles)]

If you have an old(er) tiled roof house, the dust inside the roof cavity can be a good source. Put your magnet in a plastic bag to prevent the MM's from sticking to the actual magnet.

[Blue Skies (Jacquie)]

Hmm, I had hoped for a few more responses. So its not something many people have tried, then?

I am in a very old house, Charles, I'm renting and I think its around 50 years old but I'm not keen to get up in the roof cavity.

The gutters are another option, I might have to borrow a ladder, I'm pretty sure there is some sludge up there I can scoop out as I pulled out some weeds I could see growing up there a few months ago so there are collection points.

I might try a few different things and compare results.

[ZeroID (Brent)]

I have one downpipe that leads to a collection barrel. Must check that out for bits of magnetic material. It's been sitting there collecting water off the roof for about 5 years now so the sludge at the bottom could be very interesting. Or rusty ...

Hmm, never thought of micrometeorites like that before ..