Scientists uncover 'mysterious' fourth form of water that could exist on alien worlds

Water is a common compound we are used to seeing in three forms—solid, liquid, and gas. But new pioneering research has devised a sensational new form of water known as plastic ice VII that could be met outside our universe, even on other planets. Theoretical models had already indicated its existence, but this study brings the first solid evidence of its existence.

Plastic ice VII is a rare and unusual form of water, and it occurs under extreme conditions. This ice differs from the ice that we normally encounter, as it needs massive temperature and pressure. Scientists had been speculating about the existence of this water for a long time, but now the new study has presented concrete evidence. This finding paves the way for the possibility of knowing how water could act under extraterrestrial conditions on other planets or moons elsewhere in the universe, especially when conditions are similar to those predicted to be found in plastic ice VII.

Researchers at France's Institute Laue-Langevin (ILL) performed an experiment to form plastic ice VII. Applying pressures of 6 gigapascals (about 60,000 times atmospheric pressure on Earth) and heating water to temperatures of up to 327°C (620°F), scientists managed to create this long-hypothesized substance. Applying high-fidelity equipment and sophisticated methods, including quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS), the scientists minutely examined the motions of tiny particles, including hydrogen atoms, that constitute water molecules.
As per reports, the method quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS) is used, which follows the motion of particles at the atomic scale. The technique is important because it enables researchers to observe both the translational and rotational motion of particles, giving a clear indication of how molecules behave under extreme conditions. QENS is especially helpful in observing phase transitions of materials such as plastic ice VII, giving information that other spectroscopic methods cannot.

The discovery reaffirms a forecast 17 years ago that hydrogen atoms in Ice VII move abnormally on heating and compression. Contrary to what was initially estimated, the hydrogen atoms do not show the conventional "free rotor" type of motion but instead display a different mechanism of molecular rotation. The discovery is contrary to the previous assumptions and shows that plastic ice VII moves differently than other types of water.
The discovery of plastic ice VII has important implications for understanding water outside of Earth. This unusual phase of water may occur in the innermost parts of planets and moons within our own solar system and elsewhere, with the potential to affect the conditions for life or the possibility of habitability on these alien worlds. The research not only illuminates the peculiar characteristics of water but also indicates that such complex molecules like water can be and act significantly differently under aggressive extraterrestrial conditions.

Maria Rescigno, one of the physicists involved in the research, highlighted the specific strengths of QENS in probing unusual phase transitions such as occur in plastic ice VII. She also mentioned that the method permitted the scientists to investigate molecular motion previously unavailable for study, with the method producing data on molecular rotation dynamics specifically.
This new plastic ice VII discovery is a landmark for research into the study of water and its nature in extreme conditions. It not only validates existing theory models but also brings into the fore additional new questions concerning water and other molecule behavior under extraterrestrial conditions.
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