85.3k views
11 votes
More than 35,000 meteorites have been collected in Antarctica. Scientists use the nuclear decay of rubidium‑87 to strontium‑87 to help determine the age of these meteorites. Why is determining the age of meteorites important

User Rcollyer
by
5.0k points

1 Answer

8 votes

Answer:

The study of meteorites has helped us understand the beginnings of our solar system, how planets and asteroids formed and how impacts of large meteorites have altered Earth's history and life on our planet.

Step-by-step explanation:

The time it takes for a meteoroid to reach Earth from the asteroid belt is an important constraint when trying to identify the mechanism or mechanisms responsible for delivering meteoroids to Earth.

Studying the age of meteorites help us understand the beginning of the universe and many other things including how our solar system was formed.

User Quinny
by
5.3k points