Now researchers from MIT have developed cameras that are fast enough, and have enough magnification, to capture that moment of impact in detail - and have learned that these speeds are so intense, the impact actually partially
melts the surface.
This was "unforeseen," based on previous research on erosion,
the scientists said.
High-speed microscopic particles can actually be pretty useful, and the way they erode surfaces isn't all bad. Sandblasting is one such application, or applying coatings.
But they can be dangerous, too - like micrometeorites bombarding the ISS, for example, or particles carried by strong winds hitting wind turbines.
