Redefining the Geologic Timescale of the Solar System by Accurately Determining the Half-Life of Samarium-146 with Magnetic Microcalorimeters

Geonbo Kim | 20-LW-024

Executive Summary

We propose to resolve two major controversies about the timing and mechanism of lunar solidification and differentiation of Mars in the early solar system by using an ultra-high-resolution magnetic microcalorimeter to accurately re-measure the half-life of long-lived samarium-146 (an important isotopic chronometer). This project supports national missions in forensic science.