The age of rocks is determined by radiometric dating, which looks at the proportion of two different isotopes in a sample. Radioactive isotopes break down in a predictable amount of time, enabling geologists to determine the age of a sample using equipment like this thermal ionization mass spectrometer.

How do we date the Earth?

The best estimate for Earths age is based on radiometric dating of fragments from the Canyon Diablo iron meteorite. From the fragments, scientists calculated the relative abundances of elements that formed as radioactive uranium decayed over billions of years.

What is a reliable way to date the Earth?

Yes, radiometric dating is a very accurate way to date the Earth. We know it is accurate because radiometric dating is based on the radioactive decay of unstable isotopes. When an unstable Uranium (U) isotope decays, it turns into an isotope of the element Lead (Pb).

How long will the Earth last?

End of the Sun Gamma-ray burst or not, in about a billion years, most life on Earth will eventually die anyway due to a lack of oxygen. Thats according to a different study published in March in the journal Nature Geoscience.

How long is the life of Earth?

Earth is estimated to be 4.54 billion years old, plus or minus about 50 million years.