Age of the moon: An isotopic study of uranium-thorium-lead systematics of lunar samples

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Abstract

Concentrations of U, Th, and Pb in Apollo 11 samples studied are low (U. 0.16 to 0.87; Th, 0.53 to 3.4; Pb, 0.29 to 1.7, in ppm) but the extremely radiogenic lead in samples allows radiometric dating. The fine dust and the breccia have a concordant age of 4.66 billion years on the basis of 207Pb/206Pb, 206Pb/238U, 207Pb/235U, and 208Pb/232Th ratios. This age is comparable with the age of meteorites and with the age generally accepted for the earth. Six crystalline and vesicular samples are distinctly younger than the dust and breccia. The 238U/235U ratio is the same as that in earth rocks, and 234U is in radioactive equilibrium with parent 238U.

Suggested Citation

Tatsumoto, M., and Rosholt, J., 1970, Age of the moon: An isotopic study of uranium-thorium-lead systematics of lunar samples: Science, v. 167, no. 3918, p. 461-463, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.167.3918.461.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Age of the moon: An isotopic study of uranium-thorium-lead systematics of lunar samples
Series title Science
DOI 10.1126/science.167.3918.461
Volume 167
Issue 3918
Year Published 1970
Language English
Publisher American Association for the Advancement of Science
Description 3 p.
First page 461
Last page 463
Other Geospatial Moon
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