Exotic properties of helium-methane compounds inside giant planets

(Science China Press) Both helium and methane are major components of icy giant planets, however, whether they can react with each other is still an open question. Recently, scientists based in China and UK investigated this question using large-scale quantum simulations. They found an unexpected phase, stable at high temperature and pressure, which combines diffusive helium and plastic methane. Their discovery is helpful in understanding giant icy planets and the chemistry of helium in general.