The Lake Michigan meteorite, also known as the Aquarius meteorite, is a captivating celestial object that crashed into the depths of Lake Michigan on February 6, 2017. This remarkable event has sparked the curiosity of scientists, educators, and enthusiasts alike, leading to an ongoing quest to unravel the secrets of this extraordinary cosmic visitor.
The Crash Landing
On that fateful day in 2017, the meteorite entered the Earth’s atmosphere at a blistering speed of approximately 40,000 miles per hour (64,000 kilometers per hour). As it hurtled towards the surface, the meteorite was estimated to weigh around 600 pounds (272 kilograms) before it broke apart upon impact with the lake.
The Aquarius Project: Recovering the Meteorite
The recovery efforts, dubbed the Aquarius Project, have been led by a dedicated team of scientists, educators, and teenagers from the Adler Planetarium in Chicago. Determined to uncover the secrets of the Lake Michigan meteorite, they designed and built a specialized submersible sled called Starfall, equipped with powerful magnets to detect and retrieve iron meteorites from the lake bed.
Challenges and Discoveries
The recovery efforts have faced several challenges, including the presence of invasive quagga mussels and magnetic sediment on the lake bed. Despite these obstacles, the team has made some promising discoveries, including the identification of micrometeorites that have been analyzed using spectroscopy and other techniques. These analyses have revealed that some of the micrometeorites are composed of olivine and pyroxene, common minerals found in meteorites.
Mapping the Lake Bed
In addition to the search for the meteorite fragments, the Aquarius Project has also contributed to the mapping of the Lake Michigan lake bed. This valuable data has provided insights into the lake’s ecosystem and the presence of invasive species, such as the quagga mussels, which have posed challenges to the recovery efforts.
The Significance of the Lake Michigan Meteorite
The recovery of the Lake Michigan meteorite is significant for several reasons. First and foremost, it can provide valuable insights into the history and formation of our solar system. By studying the composition and structure of the meteorite, scientists can gain a better understanding of the processes that shaped the planets and other celestial bodies.
Furthermore, the recovery efforts have sparked the interest and involvement of the local community, including students and educators. This collaborative approach has not only contributed to the scientific understanding of the meteorite but has also fostered a sense of wonder and curiosity about the natural world.
Conclusion
The Lake Michigan meteorite is a captivating celestial object that has captured the imagination of people around the world. The ongoing efforts to recover and study this remarkable find have not only advanced our scientific knowledge but have also inspired a new generation of explorers and researchers. As the Aquarius Project continues its work, we can look forward to the exciting discoveries that may yet emerge from the depths of Lake Michigan.
References:
- Great Lakes Now: Aquarius Project Findings Update: Meteorite Fragments in Lake Michigan
- Eos: Community Scientists Recover Micrometeorites from Lake Michigan
- PBS: Lake Michigan Meteorite
- University of Chicago Magazine: Splashdown
- Wisconsin Public Radio: Meteorite Crashed Into Lake Michigan 2 Years Ago, Scientists Are Close To Finding It