24.10.2024

This year, two students had the opportunity to gain insight into the MLZ (Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum) and its research. During their one-week internship at the Materials Science Lab, they analysed the materials of meteorites, marking their first experience in a laboratory setting.

“Stepping out of the subway, I suddenly felt like I was in another world—surrounded by students, I realized I had arrived in the realm of research. It’s an incredible feeling,” recalls 15-year-old Luisa Detterbeck about her first impression. The ninth-grader from Wittelsbacher Gymnasium Munich and 14-year-old Simon Schwimmer from Oskar-von-Miller Gymnasium Munich had the chance to complete a week-long internship at the MLZ in Garching, where meteorites are currently being studied at the Hereon Materials Science Lab.

The origin of meteorites: A fascinating collection
Armin Kriele, the internship supervisor, possesses an impressive collection of meteorites. Through the analysis of meteorites entrusted to him by Dieter Heinlein from the Bavarian Meteorite Laboratory, Armin delved deeper into the subject. As a token of appreciation, he received some meteorites as gifts. “This was a new topic for me as well, and it captivated me so much that I expanded my small collection through further purchases, thinking these could be interesting subjects for the internship,” he shares enthusiastically.

Luisa Detterbeck, Simon Schwimmer and their supervisor Armin Kriele look at one of their meteorite samples. The stone samples are examined under the light microscope for initial observations. © FRM II / TUM

Luisa Detterbeck, Simon Schwimmer and their supervisor Armin Kriele look at one of their meteorite samples. The stone samples are examined under the light microscope for initial observations. © FRM II / TUM

Meteorites under the microscope
Before the start of their internship, Kriele provided the students with age-appropriate learning materials on the topic and examination methods for voluntary preparation, allowing them to start right away on their first day. “We got to choose two meteorites that looked the most interesting under the light microscope,” Luisa excitedly recounts.
They examined intriguing areas in detail under the scanning electron microscope. “The maximum zoom is two million times! An additional specialized detector captures the light emitted by individual excited atoms in the form of photons, from which we can deduce the elements present in the meteorite,” Simon explains knowledgeably.
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“Nicer than the physics teacher”*
Although both students attend arts and language-focused gymnasiums, they have always had an interest in the natural sciences. They enjoy physics in school, “even if Armin is certainly nicer than some of our physics teachers,” adds the 14-year-old with a smile. They discovered the internship through the MLZ website and decided to apply.

In teamwork, the two place the samples in the scanning electron microscope, which requires caution and calm. © FRM II / TUM

In teamwork, the two place the samples in the scanning electron microscope, which requires caution and calm. © FRM II / TUM

Diversity and uniqueness of meteorites
The duo has already noted differences between the meteorites. Some areas contain a lot of oxygen and iron, while others are rich in nickel. “Larger meteorites tend to melt because they become hot inside, causing the metal and stone to separate. In smaller meteorites, the materials remain mixed,” Luisa explains precisely. One of their meteorites turned out to be a pure iron meteorite, while another, classified as a stony meteorite, surprisingly also contained iron. “We found out that a small iron-rich body had impacted it. The stony meteorite also contains spherical inclusions, which are known as chondrites,” she proudly reports.

An exciting yet exhausting week
Although spending an entire day in front of a screen in the lab can be tiring, both participants feel that the one-week internship was too short. “The day flies by when you’re doing something so exciting and productive,” says the 15-year-old.
Their self-created presentation serves not only to share their newfound knowledge but is also important for research: “If we discover something groundbreaking, we’ll have the evidence for it,” Luisa jokes.
Kriele is impressed by the commitment of both students and their ability to operate complex equipment like the scanning electron microscope independently within such a short time.

Luisa and Simon operate the scanning electron microscope from the computer and make exciting discoveries. © Armin Kriele

Luisa and Simon operate the scanning electron microscope from the computer and make exciting discoveries. © Armin Kriele

From internship to future vision
Both students are open to a future in research, although their specific plans are still unclear. Simon discovered an interest in astronomy during the internship: “I could see myself doing more in this field.” They both emphasize that future roles should not solely involve screen work and sitting.
As a reward, the two are looking forward to visiting the ESO Supernova exhibition and the experimental hall at FRM II. Whether they will eventually pursue careers in research remains to be seen.