Researchers Propose Aquodiium as Key to Uranus and Neptune's Magnetic Mysteries

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Unlike other planets, Uranus and Neptune have unusual magnetic fields significantly tilted from their rotational axes. A new theory by researchers from China and Russia suggests that these fields may be influenced by a peculiar ionized form of water called aquodiium, which could exist deep within these planets under extreme pressure.

Aquodiium is a water molecule with two additional protons, giving it a net positive charge. This ionized water could generate a magnetic field in sufficient quantities by acting as a conductor for moving charges. While Earth's magnetic field is generated by the movement of an iron-nickel alloy in its core and Jupiter and Saturn's fields are believed to be produced by metallic hydrogen, Uranus and Neptune may have ionically conductive fluids where ions carry the charge instead of electrons.

The researchers used computational modelling to explore this possibility. They proposed that under extreme conditions—temperatures around 3,000°C and pressures of 1.5 million atmospheres—protons could attach to hydronium ions, forming H4O2 or aquodiium. This process, known as chemical hybridization, could occur in the high-pressure interiors of Uranus and Neptune.

While the existence of aquodiium remains theoretical, this hypothesis offers a new perspective on the magnetic anomalies of Uranus and Neptune and expands our understanding of planetary magnetic fields and chemistry. Further exploration and observations are needed to verify the presence and role of aquodiium in these icy giants.