Limits of Carbon dating and possible alternatives?

This is for a book. An ancient, badly damaged, base has been found in the asteroid belt. The base has been open to the vacuum of space, although a large proportion of the base is within the body of the asteroid and not on the surface, so has been protected from solar radiations and micro-meteor impacts.

I wanted the protagonists to discover remains in the base that will allow them to get a rough age but I don't know the limits of carbon dating or if it would even be possible, given the overall conditions caused by a hard vacuum. I don't know if carbon dating is a viable option and, if it isn't, does another another field of science offer a plausible way of getting to the age of the base?

Note - The base is tens of millions of years old and the majority of it is buried deep under the surface of the asteroid.

The technology basis for the protagonist is roughly fifty years advanced from current day earth. Two major changes are hydrogen-based power units have replaced all fossil fuels and inter-solar system travel is viable but only just starting using ships powered by EM Drives.

The technology basis for the base builders is highly advanced; viable interstellar travel capabilities, for example.

Not sure I understand the reasons for this being put on hold as it would appear to fit in to the "Effects of events or world elements, including biology, technology and magic, on specific aspects of that world's societies, cultures, and environment" caveat of the exchanges rules.

Can you please explain what I am misunderstanding ?

• Edited for spelling, clarity and on hold clarification.

posted about 7 years ago

Gawainuk‭

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