Age of solar system
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Age of the Solar System: Insights from Recent Research
Introduction to Solar System Age Estimation
The age of the Solar System is a fundamental parameter in understanding the formation and evolution of planetary bodies. This age is primarily determined by dating the oldest solid materials found in meteorites, specifically calcium-aluminium-rich inclusions (CAIs)1. These inclusions are considered the earliest formed solids in the solar nebula, marking the beginning of the Solar System.
Radiometric Dating and Pb-Pb Chronometry
Radiometric dating, particularly using the Pb-Pb isotope system, has been instrumental in defining the age of the Solar System. Recent studies have refined this age to approximately 4,568.2 million years, based on the Pb-Pb isotope systematics in CAIs from chondritic meteorites1. This age is slightly older than previous estimates, suggesting that the proto-Sun and the surrounding nebular disc formed earlier than previously thought1.
Helioseismology and Solar Age
Helioseismology, the study of the Sun's internal structure through its oscillations, provides an independent method to estimate the solar age. Recent helioseismic studies have yielded an age of approximately 4.66 billion years, which is consistent with meteoritic data2. This method relies on analyzing small frequency separations in the Sun's oscillation modes, offering a robust measure of the solar age2.
Astronomical and Geological Constraints
Astronomical calculations and geological data also contribute to our understanding of the Solar System's age. For instance, the study of Earth's orbital dynamics and climate records has provided insights into the Solar System's chaotic evolution and its resonance transitions3. These studies help refine the timeline of significant events, such as the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, and support the broader chronology established by radiometric dating3.
Recalculation and Consistency of Solar System Age
Despite the large body of data available, the generally accepted age of the Solar System remains around 4.55 billion years, with some studies suggesting slight variations due to experimental uncertainties4. The consistency of this age across different methods and studies underscores the reliability of current dating techniques4.
Early Solar System Evolution
The early evolution of the Solar System, particularly within the first 100 million years, is crucial for understanding the formation of planetary bodies. The formation of the Sun, followed by the development of circumstellar disks and the accretion of material to form planets, occurred rapidly within this timeframe6. This period saw the formation of both giant and terrestrial planets, as well as the differentiation of planetary bodies6.
Conclusion
The age of the Solar System, estimated to be around 4.568 billion years, is supported by multiple lines of evidence, including radiometric dating, helioseismology, and astronomical calculations. These methods collectively provide a comprehensive understanding of the timeline and processes involved in the formation and early evolution of the Solar System. Continued advancements in dating techniques and astronomical observations will further refine our knowledge of this fundamental aspect of our cosmic history.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
The age of the Solar System redefined by the oldest Pb–Pb age of a meteoritic inclusion
The age of the Solar System has been redefined by the oldest Pb-Pb age of a meteorite inclusion, suggesting that the proto-Sun and nebular disc formed earlier than previously thought.
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The most accurate and robust seismic measure of the solar age is small frequency separations, which are consistent with meteorite data and can be eliminated by assuming higher metal abundance and revising opacities in the solar radiative interior.
Solar System chaos and the Paleocene–Eocene boundary age constrained by geology and astronomy
The Solar System experienced a chaotic resonance transition between 50 and 60 million years ago, providing a new absolute astrochronology up to 58 Ma and a new Paleocene-Eocene boundary age (56.01 0.05 Ma).
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The solar system's age is currently estimated at 4550 50 m.y., with most uncertainty stemming from experimental techniques.
Pb–Pb chronometry and the early Solar System
The best constrained published value for the Solar System's age is 4567.30 0.16 Ma, with nebular chondrule ages from a single laboratory providing a reliable chronometric framework for the early Solar System's formation and evolution.
Highly Cited3. Solar System Formation and Early Evolution: the First 100 Million Years
The early stages of solar system formation and evolution are dominated by the Sun's formation, disk evolution, and planet formation, with meteorites providing key constraints on the solar nebula and planet formation.
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The helioseismic solar age can be estimated using various solar models, but the accuracy of the age estimates depends on the handling of errors in the frequency separation ratios.
The Correct Age of the Universe
The Scale-Symmetric Theory (S-ST) suggests that the age of the universe is longer than assumed and that there is an unknown mechanism for iron production in the very early Universe.
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The solar neighborhood has an age of 11.20.75 Gyr, which is only a gigayear younger than the oldest globular clusters, and is compatible with redshift of luminous galaxy formation only if there is a large cosmological constant.
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