UNLV Physicists Discover New Atomic Structure for Water
Researchers compressed water samples to 35 million PSI to replicate the conditions found inside Neptune and Uranus.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Physics
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UNLV physicists have identified a new atomic structure for water under extreme compression. By squeezing samples to 35 million pounds per square inch, the team replicated the intense physical conditions found deep within planets like Neptune and Uranus.
Why it matters
This research offers a clearer picture of the interior environments of ice giant planets beyond our solar system. The experiment pushes the boundaries of how we understand matter under planetary-scale pressure.
Researchers subjected water to 35 million PSI during laboratory experiments, a force significantly higher than the 30 PSI found in a standard car tire. While the study confirms a shift to a lower-symmetry structure, how these structures behave if pressure drops remains under study.
The players
UNLV
The Las Vegas university where researchers conducted the high-pressure water experiments.
The details
To achieve these results, the UNLV team placed water samples between two diamonds, utilizing them to exert the extreme force required for the structural shift. They employed X-rays and spectroscopy to map the atomic arrangement, effectively mimicking the environments of Neptune and Uranus. The findings were officially documented in Communications Chemistry.
Timeline
October 20, 2026: Study findings published in Communications Chemistry.
Beyond the Strip
This study advances the UNLV physics program's established research into the behavior of matter under extreme planetary conditions. It builds on previous efforts to model the interior environments of planets like Uranus and Neptune.
While this study focuses on extreme planetary environments, it represents a significant milestone for local research output. The findings provide new data for scientists studying the fundamental properties of matter right here in the valley.
The takeaway
Understanding how water behaves under pressure helps scientists map the composition of distant worlds. Residents can follow the ongoing work of the research team through future updates in the scientific press.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest scientific inquiries at the university in the Physics section.
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