Alexander Shukolyukov

The abundance of 60Fe in the early solar system

A reliable estimate of the abundance of 60Fe in the early solar system is critically dependent on the absolute ages of the meteorites in which its decay product, 60Ni, was first discovered. Because of their violent early history the ages of these meteorites are difficult to determine with the required resolution and accuracy. The long‐lived U–Pb chronometers reflect these disturbances and do not yield the primary formation ages of these meteorites. An indirect approach had to be taken using the short‐lived 53Mn–53Cr chronometer. The results indicate that the 60Fe abundance in the early solar system may have been lower than originally assumed. This lower estimate brings it closer to coincide with recent results obtained for stellar production rates.