Nanocrystals that intrigue scientists

What if the ice that we thought completely disorganized in space actually hid an invisible form of order? Furthermore, This is what a fascinating study has just revealed. Furthermore, Between computer simulations, laboratory observations and cosmological implications.

Crystals where chaos was expected: the revelation of a structure hidden in space ice – Nanocrystals intrigue scientists – Nanocrystals intrigue scientists new

For decades. Similarly, scientists have thought that The ice in space was amorphous. For example, In other words, without any crystal structure. Moreover, In environments where temperatures plunge at extreme levels. However, it was assumed that The water was chaoticwithout the energy necessary to form crystals.

However, researchers The University College of London and Cambridge University have just turned this idea upside down. By combining IT simulations very precise. Laboratory experiencesthey discovered that low density amorphous ice creamthe most widespread in the Cosmosn is not completely amorphous.

Indeed, it contains nanocrystalstiny ordered structures, mixed with amorphous matter. We talk about 20 % crystalline ice cream For 80 % amorphous nanocrystals intrigue scientists ice. These crystals, only wide Three nanometersare invisible nanocrystals intrigue scientists new to the naked eye. However, they are enough to completely change our perception of space ice.

When a discovery on ice questions our cosmological (and technological) models

To go further. scientists have recreated this ice cream in the laboratory. On the one hand, they have deposited with water vapor on an icy surfacethus mimicking the spatial conditions. On the other, they have Roomed with high density amorphous ice cream. Result ? The samples have kept The memory of their original structure. An additional proof that crystals were there, lined in the shade.

For decades, scientists have considered the main type of #ice in #space to be completely disordered, like liquid #water. A new study by Prof Christoph Salzmann nanocrystals intrigue scientists (@UCLChemistry), Dr Michael B. nanocrystals intrigue scientists new Davies and colleagues finds it contains tiny #crystals: https://t.co/9op2HAiPqI pic.twitter.com/V6HttywcB1

— UCL Mathematical & Physical Sciences (@uclmaps) July 8, 2025

This discovery is not just a laboratory curiosity. In reality, she could upset our understanding of the origin of life. The theory of panspermie assume that Compets were able to transport the bricks of the living to the earth. It is based on the ability of amorphous ice to capture organic molecules. Gold, Crystal structures give way to these molecules. Space ice would therefore be less welcoming than you thought.

In addition, there is a fascinating setback to this medal. On earth, Amorphous materials are omnipresent in our technologies. For example, optical fiberselectronic components, etc. If we identify and eliminate the microcrystals they contain, We could improve their performance.

And that’s not all. Space ice could become a material of the future. She nanocrystals intrigue scientists could in nanocrystals intrigue scientists new particular Protect spacecraft from radiation. In addition, she could Store hydrogen and methane for interstellar missions.

A window open to the invisible: what this ice teaches us about the universe (and about us)

Nanocrystals intrigue scientists new

Nanocrystals intrigue scientists

In short, this study is a model of what science has more beautiful to offer. A joyful questioning certainties. An invitation to look at the invisible. And above all, one more step towards the fine understanding of the universe in which we float.

After all. who would have believed that simple frozen crystals at -120 ° C In the darkness of the intersideral vacuum. could we tell the same? On The life, matter and technological future of humanity.