Both Uranus and Neptune, the last two planets in our Solar System, are icy and display some brightness when observed. However, there's a significant difference - Neptune emits its own internal heat, while Uranus only reflects sunlight. So, why do they appear so similar?
Decoding the interiors of these distant planets is challenging, but scientists know that beneath their hydrogen and helium atmospheres lie fluid mantles abundant in water, ammonia, and methane. A possible diamond rain may also fall towards their rocky cores.
The new study, however, suggests that Uranus might not experience such rain. The researchers, led by Bingqing Cheng, argue that only Neptune has the right conditions for diamond crystal formation. Diamond rain would release gravitational energy as heat, similar to meteoroids burning up in Earth's atmosphere. The friction within the gaseous mantle could cause a rise in temperature, leading to significant planetary changes.
The researchers estimated the carbon "freezing point" and found that under certain conditions, carbon and hydrogen can separate to form a carbon-rich fluid capable of creating diamonds. However, these specific conditions seem to be absent on Uranus. In contrast, Neptune appears to have the right conditions for diamond rain, potentially adding heat through gravitational energy. The exact role of these diamond showers in heating the planets remains unknown, but they could explain Neptune's internal heat.
To verify this theory, scientists will need to conduct further carbon freezing calculations using computer models of Uranus and Neptune to determine the potential impact of diamond rain on the planets' heat budgets. Ultimately, a conclusive answer will only be possible with future missions to study these planets up close.
This study was published in Nature Communications.
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