Here's why:
* Meteorites are remnants of the early solar system: They formed from the same cloud of dust and gas that gave birth to the Sun and planets.
* Radioactive isotopes act like clocks: Certain elements, like uranium, decay at a predictable rate. By measuring the ratio of parent isotopes to daughter isotopes, scientists can determine how long ago the meteorite solidified.
* Meteorites are relatively unchanged: Unlike Earth rocks, which have been subjected to geological processes like melting and erosion, meteorites remain largely untouched since their formation. This makes them ideal for accurate age determination.
While other objects in the solar system can be dated, meteorites provide the most reliable and consistent age estimates for the entire system.
