⏰ when
When was Earth’s age first estimated using radiometric dating?
Earth scienceGeochronology
Quick Answer
In the early 1900s, and by the 1950s the accepted age settled at about 4.5 billion years.
The Full Story
Radiometric dating in the early 20th century made it possible to estimate Earth’s age from radioactive decay in rocks and meteorites. Early calculations varied, but by the 1950s improved measurements led to a broadly accepted age of about 4.5 billion years. This estimate came from work by scientists such as Clair Patterson, who used meteorites and ancient terrestrial materials. The result became a cornerstone of modern geology and planetary science.
Key Facts
1.Radiometric dating began in the early 1900s
2.Accepted age is about 4.54 billion years
3.Clair Patterson’s work was crucial in the 1950s
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"How scientists measured Earth’s age to billions of years"