Space Rocks! Asteroids, Meteors, and More

About Raquel

Raquel Nuno is a Planetary Scientist and PhD candidate in Planetary Geology at UCLA, studying impact craters—the effects of meteors and comets—on the Moon and Mars as part of research to better understand the solar system. A passionate science communicator, Raquel is a frequent blogger for NASA, interviewee on science podcasts StarTalk and Talk Nerdy, and contributor to the YouTube channel Veritasium. When she’s not studying, talking, or teaching the geology of space, you can usually find her looking for cool rocks with her husband and 3 children.

About the class

Space rocks! The universe is full of snowballs, fireballs, and rocks flying through space (you might actually be on one right now). In this class, explore the flying rocks that light up the night sky, leave their mark on moons and planets, and sometimes even turn dinosaurs into fossils. Join planetary geologist Raquel Nuno to investigate asteroids, meteors, comets, and other things that fly through space.

While you won't get your hands on a real comet or meteor, this class does include hands-on projects. If you'd like to participate, please bring the following to class:
A couple large sheets of aluminum foil
Several streamers or ribbons
A stick or dowel rod at least 6 inches long

And if you'll have a (willing) grownup with you for supervision, you can also bring:
A Tupperware container
A few cups of flour (enough to fill the container up to ~2 inches in depth)
Coffee grounds or tempura paint
A rock (can be from Earth if you don't have one from space)

NOTE: this demonstration could get messy without proper supervision so parent/guardian help is suggested; both demonstrations are easy to follow along via video so participation is completely optional

All systems are go for your field trip to space!