Scientists Discover Unusual Hydrogen Movement Inside Uranus and Neptune Affecting Magnetic Fields
Researchers have identified a unique state of matter deep within Uranus and Neptune, where hydrogen moves in spiral paths under extreme pressure and heat. This discovery, published in Nature Communications, focuses on carbon hydride, which behaves in a way that blurs the line between solid and liquid. The study, led by Cong Liu and Ronald Cohen, reveals that hydrogen atoms follow helical paths within a rigid hexagonal lattice, creating a quasi-one-dimensional superionic state. This behavior is distinct from typical superionic materials, where atomic motion is multi-directional. The findings are significant as they provide insights into the unusual magnetic fields of these ice giants, which are tilted and offset from their centers. 
