New Study Reveals Space Ice's Unique Crystalline Structure

A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at University College London (UCL) and the University of Cambridge has unveiled that 'space ice' contains tiny crystalline structures, challenging the long-held belief that it is a completely disordered material similar to liquid water. This revelation, published in the journal *Physical Review B* on July 8, 2025, highlights the complexities of ice found in various cosmic environments, such as comets and icy moons.

For decades, scientists assumed that the most common form of ice in the universe, known as low-density amorphous ice, was entirely amorphous, meaning it lacked a defined structure. Previous theories suggested that at lower temperatures, this ice would not form crystals due to insufficient energy. However, the new findings indicate that the ice contains crystalline structures approximately three nanometers wide—slightly wider than a strand of DNA—embedded within its disordered framework.

Lead author Dr. Michael B. Davies, a PhD candidate at UCL Physics & Astronomy and the University of Cambridge, emphasized the importance of these findings: “We now have a good idea of what the most common form of ice in the Universe looks like at an atomic level. This is significant as ice plays a crucial role in numerous cosmological processes, including planet formation and galaxy evolution.”

The research team conducted computer simulations of water, cooling virtual models at -120 degrees Celsius at varying rates to create different proportions of crystalline and amorphous ice. They found that structures with up to 20% crystalline content closely matched those observed in X-ray diffraction studies of low-density amorphous ice. Furthermore, experimental work involved re-crystallizing real samples of amorphous ice formed through various methods, revealing that the final crystal structure was influenced by the ice’s origin.

Co-author Professor Christoph Salzmann from UCL Chemistry noted, “Ice on Earth is a cosmological curiosity due to our warm temperatures. The ordered nature of snowflakes reflects this. Our study shows that ice in the universe does not simply represent a snapshot of liquid water as previously thought.”

The implications of this study extend beyond mere academic curiosity. For instance, the findings could impact the Panspermia hypothesis, which posits that life on Earth may have originated from microorganisms carried on comets. Dr. Davies remarked, “Our findings suggest that low-density amorphous ice may not be an ideal transport medium for life’s building blocks, as the crystalline structure provides less space for these ingredients. However, there are still amorphous regions within the ice that could potentially trap and store these essential components.”

Additionally, Professor Angelos Michaelides from the University of Cambridge highlighted the broader ramifications of this research for technology, stating, “Amorphous materials have significant applications in advanced technologies, including glass fibers used in data transmission. Understanding the presence of tiny crystals in these materials could lead to improved performance.”

The study of ice in space is not just a matter of academic interest; it holds potential for the future of space exploration. Dr. Davies added, “Ice could serve as a high-performance material in space, providing insulation against radiation or even serving as a source of fuel in the form of hydrogen and oxygen. Therefore, understanding its various forms and properties is essential.”

In conclusion, the new insights into the structure of space ice not only deepen our understanding of cosmic materials but also raise important questions about the nature of amorphous substances in general. As scientists continue to explore the complexities of ice, further research may yield additional revelations about this vital component of the universe.