MISIP 2017: "Basalt from Vesta: Major and Trace Element Heterogeneity Preserved on the Surface of the Asteroid"
Misasa International Students Intership Program 2017 Participants
Tanya Kizovski
Canada
University of Toronto
Sam Edwards
Canada
University of Toronto
Chad Dodge
United States of America
California State University
Susana Maria Hoyos Muñoz
Colombia
EAFIT (Escuela de Administración y Finanzas y Tecnologías) University
Hsin-Yu Chen
Taiwan
National Cheng-Kung University
Katarzyna Liszewska
Poland
University of Warsaw
Project Summary: Abstract
The 2017 MISIP internship program focused on analyzing three eucrite meteorites (Juvinas, Camel Donga, and Millbillillie) believed to be from the asteroid 4-Vesta. This study was completed in order to analyze and compare these three meteorites in order to determine how they originally formed, and gain a better understanding of the igneous and post-igneous processes on their parent body. The eucrites examined in this study are compositionally similar to terrestrial basalts and are believed to have originally crystallized at or near surface on 4-Vesta.
The eucrites were examined by completing detailed petrographic analysis, measuring major and trace element concentrations, and determining isotopic ratios for age and source determination. Major element, trace element, and isotope ratios indicate that these three meteorites are from the same parent body and underwent similar processes after formation. Evidence of mixing and multiple reheating events can be linked to multiple and frequent impacts soon after Vesta’s formation. This indicates that impact processes played a major role in early planetary formation. The presence of silica may be indicative of hydrothermal processes on Vesta (or in transit to Earth), which has implications for the timing and distribution of water in the solar system.
MISIP 2017 Gallery
Testimonials
The 2017 MISIP was one of the best experiences of my life so far. As an aspiring geoscientist it was amazing to work with PML's cutting-edge analytical equipment under the supervision of professors and technicians who really want you to succeed in your research project. I really learned how to think like a scientist and always felt challenged to find the truth about what I was studying. Aside from the scientific aspects of the program, Tottori prefecture is a beautiful part of Japan which I urge all future interns to explore as much as you can. I also found that other students in the program were very friendly and there were several PhD students who really helped us our way in what was a foreign country to all of us. Overall I would highly recommend applying!
Sam Edwards
The MISIP program was an amazing internship. It gathered students around the world to share their experience and learning philosophy. During this program, I learned how to well express my thoughts to others and found that I really like geology, which made me decide to get a PhD in the future. If you are someone who is getting lost on the way to future, come to MISIP, there are more things that you can get than you image!
Husin-Yu Chen
MISIP 2017 was a truly unforgettable and enlightening experience not only scientifically but also culturally. It was an incredible journey through the methods and science behind the geochemistry of planetary sciences by the hand of highly prepared scientists in state of the art laboratories. Through this program, I got the privilege to work and learn from amazing and bright young scientists in the MISIP 2017 class, and be mentored by excellent and really humane senior scientists that inspired me and make me grow as a scientist. Live in Japan and learn from its culture and people was a great opportunity for my personal growth, this summer opened my view of the world, leave me with a camera full of memories, and a summer filled with fresh insights and great friendships. I have cultivated skills and passions that I will use throughout my life and I highly encourage students considering this internship to apply and be part of the program
Susana Maria Hoyos Muñoz
The IPM internship was one of the best experiences of my life. The program gave me the opportunity to work with students from all over the world, with the amazing guidance of the very helpful and knowledgeable PML staff. Our project involved analyzing three meteorites from the asteroid 4-Vesta (Eucrites) in order to learn more about its formation and evolution. We were given the opportunity to use pretty much every instrument under the sun including: X-ray fluorescence, the scanning electron microscope, the electron microprobe, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, thermal ionization mass spectrometry, and Raman spectroscopy. Beyond the lab, living and working in Misasa was an amazing way to experience Japan. If you are able to attend the internship make sure to ask Kunihiro-San for a sampling of sake, soba, and watermelon; and if you’re lucky enough ask for Yamanaka-San’s Takoyaki (octopus balls - probably my favourite food I had in Japan).
Tanya Kizovski
I found the time spent in a charming village of Misasa within international internship as one of the most crucial moment of my life. MISIP 2017 gave me the incredible opportunity to take an active part in a project which stimulated students to be critical-thinking and open-minded researchers who pursue the truth saved in the early rock’s history. Considerations and scientific discussions with great professors and technicians of PML came up with assumptions which could have been verified by the up-to-date equipment and methods. It made this internship absolutely amazing, challenging and motivating! However, most of all, I grew as a person thanks to people I cooperated with. I wish you’d experience the unforgettable and fruitful time within MISIP!