This is my world. Earth sciences, exploring our planet and my mineralogical collection
This is all about the world – and even beyond, to other planets and meteorites. You can:
· Experience the fascination of the solar system’s primordial matter as we examine meteorites under the microscope together. Meteorites originate from the primordial bodies of the solar system – the asteroids – and are the oldest rocks. They provide unique insights into the formation and early development of the solar system and the Earth. They also tell us about processes from long ago, such as the condensation and agglomeration of the first solid matter in what is known as the solar nebula. The oldest meteorites – the carbonaceous chondrites – contain not only silicates but also organic matter, which reached Earth through impacts and may have been the building blocks of life. These are also the focus of current space missions in which the University of Jena is involved.
· Take a look at the Mineralogical Collection: discover fluorescence in mineralogy. In 1801, Johann W. Ritter discovered UV light in Jena. The term ‘fluorescence’ was not introduced until some 50 years later by G. Stokes, although the natural fluorescence of fluorspar (fluorite) in sunlight had been known for some time. We will demonstrate and explain fluorescence using various minerals. UV light has a wide range of applications in modern earth sciences – from gemstone appraisal to the prospecting of industrial minerals, it’s all covered. Come and be amazed – and if you have any ruby jewellery, please do bring it along and we’ll have a look at it together… under UV light, of course!
· Discover how we use geophysics to explore the Earth’s interior – without digging at all: using methods such as geoelectrics, magnetics and gravimetry, we can peer into the subsurface without breaking ground. We do this by utilising electrical currents, the Earth’s magnetic field and its gravitational field. These provide information, for example, on the stratigraphic relationships between rock layers. They can also be used to detect groundwater, geological structures such as faults, salt domes, ore deposits and other hidden objects, such as archaeological finds, or underground cavities. There is a great deal to discover beneath our feet. We’ll show you how it’s done.
· Experience a ‘bouncy castle’ with a difference: seismic measurements detect and visualise our guests’ jumps rather than earthquakes. We explain how this measurement works and how we operate within the Thuringian Seismological Network to monitor seismic activity in Thuringia and the surrounding area.
· Understanding plants as the link between the underground and above-ground worlds: Plants and photosynthesis have played a fundamental role in making our planet largely habitable: the ozone layer, a pleasant climate, air to breathe. They are a geological force. Plants fluoresce, and through small experiments we make the vital process of photosynthesis visible. We demonstrate its link to carbon sequestration and the greenhouse effect, and how water scarcity affects it.
