The MegaSIMS Laboratory is one of the ground instruments performing analysis on the samples retrieved from the Genesis Mission. Utilizing the technique of mass spectrometry, the laboratory aims at finding clues of the origin of the solar system by comparing isotopic analysis of solar dust particles to that of the elements found on Earth. One element in particular, Oxygen, is believed to be indicative of the solar system's evolution and differentiation, thus becoming the highest priority of the researchers in the laboratory.
Image provided by NASA/JPL/Caltech
Located in the Geology building of the University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA), the MegaSIMS is operated by researchers from the Department of Earth and Space Sciences in cooperation with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the rest of the Genesis Team.
Updates
Lunar and Planetary Science Conference 2010 [28 March 2010]
Representatives from the MegaSIMS presented oxygen and nitrogen results at the 41st Lunar and Planetary Science Conference (LPSC) 2010 held on March 1-5 at The Woodlands, Texas. click for more
Nitrogen analysis begins [16 January 2010]
With the conclusion of the oxygen analysis, the next aim is to study nitrogen. On late December 2009, nitrogen isotope ratio was measured from five spots on the Genesis concentrator sample. click for more
Oxygen isotope data collection finished [18 December 2009]
The analysis of the Genesis sample for oxygen isotopes was completed on December 2009. click for more
More MegaSIMS Website Updates! [05 December 2008]
The new design has been updated and automated using PHP! Other changes and additions include the additon of a new PUBLICATIONS section, a COLLABORATION wiki, more posted perlscripts, and others! click for more
MegaSIMS welcomes Veronika Heber [02 September 2008]
Joining the MegaSIMS team is Veronika Heber, a post-doctorate most recently from Switzerland, but originally from east Germany. click for more
