182Hf – FROM GEOPHYSICS TO ASTROPHYSICS Original Research Article

182Hf is a so-called “extinct” radionuclide interesting for both geophysical and astrophysical studies. The discovery of live 182Hf in the early solar system through isotopic anomalies of stable 182W in meteorites opened up an important application as a chronometer for the formation of the Earth and Moon. In addition, 182Hf plays an important role for the understanding of nucleosynthesis of heavy elements in stellar environments, since both r- and s-processes can be responsible for the high abundance in the early solar system. In contrast to most other extinct radionuclides there is no significant natural or anthropogenic production of 182Hf on Earth. Thus finding live 182Hf on Earth today would be a strong indication for introduction of material from recent nucleosynthesis, e.g. from nearby supernovae. This paper gives a short overview of applications and summarizes recent and ongoing experimental nuclear physics measurements of 182Hf.