IMPORTANT QUESTION: Effects of UV and cosmic rays on bismuth

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the potential methods for determining the age of a bismuth/magnesium/zinc composite through the effects of UV light, cosmic rays, or other energetic particles. Participants explore the feasibility of estimating the time since manufacture based on cosmic ray impacts and isotopic changes, while also considering the historical context of the material's creation in the 1970s.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires whether it is possible to estimate the age of the composite by examining the effects of cosmic rays or UV light on the material.
  • The same participant suggests that microscopic examination could reveal the number of cosmic ray impacts, potentially allowing for an age estimate within 10 years.
  • Another participant references a vague connection to an unusual alloy purportedly of alien origin, which included bismuth and magnesium, and questions the relevance of this context.
  • There is a suggestion that discussions related to alien materials are typically found in the Pseudo Science section, indicating a skepticism towards the topic.
  • Some participants express frustration over perceived attempts to divert the discussion or question the motivations behind the inquiry.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the feasibility of determining the age of the composite or the relevance of the alien alloy reference. The discussion remains unresolved, with differing viewpoints on the topic's validity and implications.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the methods of age estimation and the specific effects of cosmic rays and UV light on the material. The discussion also reflects a lack of clarity about the motivations behind the inquiry and the relevance of external references.

Ivan Seeking
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This is an unusually important question.

Could one determine the approximate age of a manufactured bismuth/magnesium/zinc composite somehow by the effects of UV, cosmic rays, or some other type of energetic particle acting on the material? For example, by microscopic examination or by some other means, could one estimate the number of cosmic ray impacts on the material and from this estimate the approximate amount of time since the material was manufactured. Also, does any kind of isotopic change happen over time; perhaps again due to cosmic rays or the like? If we could determine the age of this composite to within 10 years or so we could probably proceed. We are assuming that this was made in the 1970s.

We have the material but we cannot identify the manufacturer. It is imperative that we can estimate the age of this stuff. Any suggestion? The potential cost of testing is not a concern.
 
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Sorry, I don't know, but why? Is it related to something I saw on TV, regarding an alloy that was given to some person by someone unknown, that is supposedly alien? The current owner had taken it to many metallurgists and they couldn't figure anything out. I know this is a vague reference. I think the composition of this alloy did prove to be tremendously unnatural, I think it had bismuth and magnesium though. And it had an unusual distribution of elements in it, it wasn't isotropic, I don't remember what though, maybe micro-strata?
 
Originally posted by Jonathan
Sorry, I don't know, but why? Is it related to something I saw on TV, regarding an alloy that was given to some person by someone unknown, that is supposedly alien? The current owner had taken it to many metallurgists and they couldn't figure anything out. I know this is a vague reference. I think the composition of this alloy did prove to be tremendously unnatural, I think it had bismuth and magnesium though. And it had an unusual distribution of elements in it, it wasn't isotropic, I don't remember what though, maybe micro-strata?

Any discussions like that are posted in the Pseudo Science section.:smile:
 
I know that, I didn't mean to imply I wanted to hijack the thread or something, I just wanted to know why, which you still haven't anwsered. [b(]
 
Originally posted by Jonathan
I know that, I didn't mean to imply I wanted to hijack the thread or something, I just wanted to know why, which you still haven't anwsered. [b(]

You’re barking up the wrong tree on this one.
I am an industrial consultant by profession.
 
Originally posted by Ivan Seeking
You’re barking up the wrong tree on this one.
I am an industrial consultant by profession.

--- and, you want free money from PF? Or, are you planning to split the consulting fee for this with Greg?
 
Originally posted by Bystander
--- and, you want free money from PF? Or, are you planning to split the consulting fee for this with Greg?

I provide free advice and information to other people - on a professional level, I would venture more than most. Is this a one way street?

Do you have a personal grievance with me for some reason? [?]
 
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