Episode #181: Stellar Nucleosynthesis and Radiometric Dating

In this episode Russ gives a presentation, with slides, about the standard model processes that take place in stars to generate elements, how that process eventually results in novas and supernovas, and how supernovas and other similar very high energy events generate cosmic rays. When these cosmic rays hit earth, they result in "cosmogenic nuclides" like the radioactive Carbon 14 that is so often used to date material in archaeological settings. We also run through a short list of the most often used dating techniques, how they work, what the problems are, what the ranges are, and what the margins of error are. We also look at the various assumptions and methods and theory behind these techniques. As this was a slide show presentation, it may help to watch the video, so look for that on our youtube channel.