Citizen science: Go to the website for Stardust (http://stardustathome.ssl.berkeley.edu), a project in which volunteers use a virtual microscope to analyze digital scans of particles collected by the Stardust mission in \(2006 .\) The goal is to identify tiny interstellar dust grains. Follow the steps under "Get Started" (you need to create a log-in account) and help search for stardust. Click on "News." What has been learned from this project? Remember to save the images for your homework, if required.

The virtual microscope is an online tool that allows users to view and analyze microscopic images without the need for physical equipment. It is used extensively in citizen science projects like Stardust, where volunteers examine images of particles collected from space. The interface typically includes navigation tools to zoom in and out, manipulate the direction, and even annotate areas of interest. This provides a way for people to contribute to scientific research from the comfort of their homes. By using the virtual microscope, you can observe and identify tiny particles which might be difficult to see with the naked eye. This tool democratizes science, allowing anyone with an internet connection to be part of important discoveries.

Interstellar dust consists of tiny particles found in the space between stars. These particles are incredibly small, often just a fraction of a micrometer in size. They play a crucial role in the formation of stars and planets and can provide essential clues about the origins of the solar system and the universe itself. Analyzing interstellar dust helps scientists understand more about cosmic processes and the materials that make up celestial bodies. In the Stardust mission, volunteers use a virtual microscope to search for these rare particles among samples collected from space, contributing valuable data to the scientific community. The presence of interstellar dust in different environments can help researchers understand the historical events that have influenced the evolution of our galaxy.

The Stardust mission was a groundbreaking NASA project aimed at collecting samples from a comet and returning them to Earth. Launched in 1999, Stardust traveled through space to capture particles from the comet Wild 2 as well as interstellar dust particles. In 2006, the mission successfully returned with these valuable samples. The project was monumental as it allowed for the first-time collection and analysis of materials from beyond our planet. Through the Stardust@Home program, everyday people are invited to help analyze these samples using a virtual microscope. The collaborative nature of this mission has led to numerous discoveries, including insights into the materials that make up comets and the presence of certain types of interstellar dust. The contributions from citizen scientists have proven vital in the ongoing research and understanding of our cosmic neighborhood.