Department
Solar System, Impacts and Meteorites
Extraterrestrial influences on Earth
Overview
In the Solar System, Impacts and Meteorites department, we study cosmic processes as part of the Dynamics of Nature. Events from space have repeatedly shaped the Earth’s development – from the formation of the planets to impacts that have influenced the evolution of life.
Meteorites, asteroids and cosmic dust provide important clues as to how the Earth was able to develop into a planet capable of supporting life, and what risks such events still pose to our society today.
Management
Prof. Dr Kai Wünnemann
Head of Department
Email: Kai.Wuennemann@mfn.berlin
Research
Key areas
Understanding traces from space
We combine studies of meteorites, micrometeorites and geological traces of past impacts with data from space missions. In this way, we reconstruct the history of our planetary system and investigate how cosmic events influence the atmosphere, the Earth’s surface and the biosphere.
Research in partnership with society
Our work ranges from fundamental research to educational and citizen science projects, such as the search for micrometeorites in cities. Studies of the Moon also provide insights into early phases of Earth’s history that are scarcely preserved on Earth itself.
Methods of modern planetary research
For this research, we combine laboratory analyses of rocks and minerals with simulations and experiments. This allows us to better understand impact events and their consequences – an important contribution to the study of Earth’s history and the origins of life.
Research areas and projects
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