What makes dust? — Naomi of Swainsboro, GA

Dear Naomi,

Dust is made up of all kinds of stuff. Some of it comes from you, some comes from the ocean, some even comes from space! Anything that is dry and light enough to be blown around and carried by a light breeze can be called dust. Here are some things that make up dust: ash, salt, minerals from space, tiny insect bodies, soil, pollen, dead skin cells (from people and animals), and many other little bits and pieces of things.

Although it can cause problems, dust in the atmosphere is the reason we have beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Dust in the air reflects the Sun’s light and causes the sky to appear red, orange and pink.