[meteorite-list] re Gutter Micros

From: Robert & Wendi Beauford <wendirob_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Thu Apr 22 10:10:03 2004
Message-ID: <002001c2faf0$4a0dab20$96251fd8_at_wendirob>

I've got an enameled metal roof and intentional sections of back sloped
gutters with magnet traps to act as a magnetic and mechanical micro sluice
box, and I collect the dust about twice a year to go over under a
microscope. I've never collected anything larger than microspherules, but
it's a nice setup for those. I think that you could wait a lot of years for
an eye-visible specimen, even the size of a bb, and even then it would have
even odds of bouncing over the gutter.
The stuff I collect would pass through panty hose easily. In the area of a
strewnfield/block/city/etc, I think the results could be downright fun
though, and I'd be willing to bet there are a few backed up gutters in known
fall locations from the last twenty years that have never been checked.
-Robert : )

>
> Has anyone ever had any luck with putting netting over their gutters as
> a matter of principle, and examining what comes out. I mean in a normal
> suburb where there is no fall - so that you catch the debris of the
> occasional "shooting star". Is there enough small matter coming down to
> make this worth while?
>
> I basically need an excuse to first of all steal a few stockings, and
> then get permission to use them on the house! For a few micro's it would
> be worth the argument.=20
>
> If we look at the high numbers (2000 tonnes a year?) that are meant to
> fall to earth, a roof is the best catchment area that is practical.
Received on Fri 04 Apr 2003 04:22:25 PM PST