Meteorite Inclusion Leads to Evidence for Curium at Solar System Formation (IMAGE)

University of Chicago

Meteorite Inclusion Leads to Evidence for Curium at Solar System Formation

Caption

This close-up picture shows a ceramic-like refractory inclusion (pink inclusion) still embedded into the meteorite in which it was found. Refractory inclusions are the oldest-known rocks in the solar system (4.5 billion years old). Analysis of the uranium isotope ratios of such inclusions demonstrates that a long-lived isotope of the radioactive element curium was present in the solar system when this inclusion was formed. The inclusion measures 1.5 centimers (.59 inches) in length.

Credit

Origins Lab, University of Chicago

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News organizations may use this image in connection with reports about the research of Nicolas Dauphas and François Tissot.

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