You have JavaScript disabled
For the best experience, please turn JavaScript on. Here's how

What is dust made of? - Michael Marder

1,073,769 Views

82,423 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

Less than a tenth the size of an ant, a dust mite’s whole world is contained in the dusty film under a bed or in a forgotten corner. This realm is right under our noses, but from our perspective, the tiny specks of brilliant color blend together into a nondescript grey. What are these colorful microscopic particles? Michael Marder explores the science of dust.

Watch Think 7 Multiple Choice &
3 Open Answer Questions Dig Deeper Learn More Discuss 1 Guided Discussion &
1 Open Discussion

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Which of these statements is the most accurate?

a

Cosmic dust can be found before the formation of a star

b

Cosmic dust can be found after the explosion of a star

c

Cosmic dust has nothing to do with the formation and destruction of celestial bodies

d

Cosmic dust can be found before the formation and after the explosion of a star

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

Educator Michael Marder
Director Mette Ilene Holmriis
Narrator Addison Anderson
Producer The Animation Workshop, Ian Otto
Music Stephen LaRosa
Content Producer Gerta Xhelo
Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
Associate Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott, Elizabeth Cox
Script Editor Elizabeth Cox
Fact-Checker Brian Gutierrez