how old is our solar system
http://sse.jpl.nasa.gov/planets/profile.cfm?Object=SolarSys&Display=Kids
about 4.6 billion years
To determine the age of our solar system, scientists rely on various dating techniques and observations. One commonly used method is radiometric dating of meteorite samples. Here's how scientists estimate the age of our solar system:
1. Radiometric Dating: Radiometric dating measures the decay of radioactive isotopes in rocks and minerals. Scientists use a specific isotopic system, such as lead-lead dating or uranium-lead dating, to determine the age of meteorites. These meteorites are believed to have formed at the same time as our solar system.
2. Meteorite Study: Meteorites are remnants of the early solar system that have fallen to Earth. By studying the composition and isotopic ratios of different elements within meteorites, scientists can estimate the age of the material from which they originated. This provides an approximation of the age of our solar system.
3. Stellar Ages: Another method involves studying the ages of stars in the vicinity of our solar system. By determining the ages of nearby stars and comparing them to the Sun, scientists can infer the approximate age of our solar system. This method provides a complementary way to estimate the age but is less precise than radiometric dating of meteorites.
Based on these methods, scientists believe our solar system formed about 4.6 billion years ago. This age is determined by analyzing various meteorite samples and using radioactive decay dating techniques. It is worth noting that while many independent studies support this age estimation, there is still ongoing research to refine our understanding of the solar system's origin and age.