In situ Lu–Hf phosphate geochronology: Progress towards a new tool for space exploration

Geochronology is fundamental to understanding planetary evolution. However, as space exploration continues to expand, traditional dating methods, involving complex laboratory processes, are generally not realistic for unmanned space applications. Campaign-style planetary exploration missions require dating methods that can (1) rapidly resolve age information on small samples, (2) be applied to minerals common in mafic rocks, and (3) be based on technologies that could be installed on future rover systems. We demonstrate the application of rapid in situ microanalytical Lu–Hf phosphate geochronology using samples of pallasite meteorites, which are representative examples of the deep interiors of differentiated planetoids that are generally difficult to date. Individual pallasites were dated by laser ablation tandem mass-spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS/MS), demonstrating a rapid novel method for exploring planetary evolution. Derived formation ages for individual pallasites agree with traditional methods and have <2% uncertainty, opening an avenue of opportunity for remote micro-analytical space exploration.