From CNN:
To create buzz about an otherwise arcane subject, the University of Wisconsin-Madison showed off a tiny speck of zircon crystal believed to be the oldest known piece of Earth at about 4.4 billion years old.
Saturday’s daylong celebration was to be capped with “The Rock Concert” by jazz musicians who composed music to try to answer the question: What does 4.4 billion years old sound like?
“This is it — the oldest thing ever. One day only,” said Joe Skulan, director of the UW-Madison Geology Museum, where the object was displayed under police guard. “The idea of having a big celebration of something that’s so tiny — we’re playing with the obvious absurdity of it.”
More here.