At just 33 years old light from us, in the constellation of Lionthere is an incredible planet. Is called Gliese 436b and it is a world where the laws of physics, as we know them, do not seem to apply. What makes this planet so special? Hot ice. Yes, you read that right: up Gliese 436b The ice burns without melting!
Gliese 436b it is a planet similar in size to Neptune, but its most incredible feature is undoubtedly the phenomenon of exotic ice. We’re not talking about the ice we’re used to seeing in ours freezerbut of a particular shape called ice 7.
But what makes it so special? The temperatures on this planet can easily exceed 400°C, a heat level that on Earth it would evaporate the water in an instant. Yet, the ice on Gliese 436b it doesn’t melt. In fact, it seems to burn. This anomaly is due to the extreme atmospheric pressure present on the planet. At such pressure levels, ice not only resists high temperatures, but also maintains a solid shape.
The mystery of the ice 7: how does it not melt?
The ice phenomenon 7 is one of the most fascinating aspects of this planet. At temperatures exceeding even 800°C, we would expect the ice melts instantly, but the crystalline structure of this ice is completely different than what we are used to. This structure allows the ice to stay solid despite the intense heat. In other words, exotic ice can withstand conditions that would be inconceivable on Earth.
Scientists were amazed by the detections of this planet. The pressures elevated in the upper layers of planet they’re what keeps the ice from melting, compressing the water molecules so intensely that they turn into this strange and fascinating shape of ice.
Ice burns: what does it mean
Gliese 436b not only does it show us a different and fascinating world, but it allows us to better understand the extreme conditions that can exist in the universe. If we think that distant planets could be similar to Earth, Gliese 436b proves us wrong across the board.
Understand better how the ice exotic could also pave the way for new scientific theories about how animals form and evolve planetsand who knows, maybe it will help us find new life forms in corners of the universe that we would never have considered habitable.
A planet that leaves you breathless
Gliese 436b it is one of those planets that makes us look at the sky with a mixture of amazement and curiosity. It is proof that the universe is full of surprises and that there are still many mysteries to be found reveal. Perhaps, somewhere out there, there are other planets with even more extraordinary characteristics, ready to be discovered.
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