The Scientific Sorcery of Radiocarbon Dating

An archaeologist explains why figuring out how old something is harder than you realize. Consider the amazing technology of radiocarbon dating.

May 21, 2020 · 7 min read

Image for post — The origins of radiocarbon dating trace back to chemists, including Harold Urey (pictured), and the Manhattan Project. Photo: U.S. Department of Energy via Flickr

Image for post — The origins of radiocarbon dating trace back to chemists, including Harold Urey (pictured), and the Manhattan Project. Photo: U.S. Department of Energy via Flickr

Several years ago, I went back to Chicago to see some old friends: artifacts, really — ancient sandals to be precise.

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