CATCH A SHOOTING STAR by Ted Kinsman Micrometeorite One man's search for the tiny cosmic visitors that are just underfoot BLUE MARBLE The micrometeorite shown in this scanning electron microscope image is 300 microns across, about twice the width of a thick human hair. As the fragment entered Earth's atmosphere, it melted from the heat, and the surface tension of the molten metals brought it into a spherical shape. The author found this sample on the roof of his house, and he considers it to be the most beautiful micrometeorite he has ever found. 14 FEBRUARY 2 02 0 * SK Y & TELESCOPE