On February 11, 2026, the Institute for Advanced Studies at UM6P welcomed Andrea Miedtank, a Geological Sciences student at Freie Universität Berlin and research assistant at the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, for a session of the IAS Weekly Seminar series. Her talk, titled “Tiny Messengers All Around Us: Micrometeorites as a Rich Sample Source for Solar System History,” offered an engaging introduction to the rapidly expanding field of micrometeorite research and its importance for understanding the history of our Solar System.

During the seminar, Andrea presented the scientific context of micrometeorites—tiny extraterrestrial particles, typically smaller than two millimeters, that reach Earth in large quantities every year as a result of asteroid collisions and cometary activity. She explained how these particles survive atmospheric entry, how they can be identified and collected in different environments, and why they represent a valuable and accessible archive of cosmic material. From arid regions such as Chile’s Atacama Desert to unexpected locations like urban rooftops, her presentation highlighted the diverse strategies researchers use to locate and recover micrometeorites.

A central focus of the talk was Andrea’s ongoing research in the Atacama Desert, where time-resolved sediment profiles are used to investigate variations in micrometeorite flux over long periods. She shared preliminary observations from field campaigns suggesting a possible increase in micrometeorite abundance in layers that may correspond to the Younger Dryas period. While still under investigation, such findings could provide new perspectives on links between cosmic events and changes in Earth’s environment.

The seminar also addressed the analytical methods used to confirm the extraterrestrial origin of micrometeorites, including microscopic observation and elemental analysis. Andrea discussed how the mineralogical and chemical composition of these particles can reveal information about early Solar System processes, planetary formation, and impact history. She emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of micrometeorite research, which combines fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and collaboration across planetary science, geology, and astrophysics.

The session concluded with a lively exchange with the audience, followed by a practical workshop where participants had the opportunity to observe and learn more about micrometeorite identification techniques. The event provided an accessible and inspiring overview of how the smallest extraterrestrial materials can offer significant insights into planetary science and the evolution of our cosmic environment.

The IAS Weekly Seminar series continues to bring together researchers, students, and the broader UM6P community for interdisciplinary discussions and exchanges around cutting-edge research topics.