Could Mercury, the closest planet to the Sun, be hiding a treasure trove beneath its crust? Recent studies by Chinese and Belgian scientists suggest that a thick layer of diamonds, possibly up to 18 kilometers deep, might exist beneath Mercury’s surface. These findings stem from data collected by NASA’s Messenger probe, analyzed through temperature and pressure models that indicate such diamond formations. The research, recently published in the journal Nature, hints at a celestial cache that sparks both scientific curiosity and intrigue.
By Sadie Watkins
Innovative Pressure and Temperature Experiments
To support their theories, scientists conducted advanced pressure experiments that mimicked the extreme conditions on Mercury. By applying pressures up to seven gigapascals—equivalent to over 70 tons per square centimeter—the researchers recreated conditions under which diamonds could form. The high precision required for these experiments pushed equipment to its limits, as noted by Yanhao Lin from the Center for High Pressure Science in Beijing. The results consistently pointed to the presence of diamond layers, aligning with their theoretical models.
Sulfur’s Critical Role in Diamond Formation
The presence of sulfur on Mercury is a crucial factor in the diamond formation process. The Messenger probe data showed significant sulfur deposits, which facilitate the rapid crystallization of carbon into diamonds. Even a sulfur concentration of 11% can significantly enhance this process. Scientists theorize that Mercury was once covered by a magma ocean, within which carbon formed into graphite, floated to the surface, and solidified into a crust. The pressure and temperature, along with sulfur, contributed to the conversion of graphite into diamond layers at the ocean’s floor.
An Ocean of Magma and Emerging Diamonds
Over time, as the magma ocean cooled, a solid mantle formed, accumulating diamonds at its base. This diamond layer is estimated to be between 15 and 18 kilometers thick, although these are speculative estimates based on current calculations and experiments. Researchers emphasize that these conclusions remain theoretical until more data can be gathered. The intriguing possibility of such a vast diamond deposit highlights Mercury’s complex geological history and its potential for containing valuable resources.
Challenges in Accessing Mercury’s Diamonds
Despite the tantalizing prospects of a diamond-rich Mercury, the practicalities of accessing these resources are daunting. The diamond layer is buried approximately 485 kilometers deep, far beyond the reach of current drilling technology, which has only managed to penetrate about 12 kilometers on Earth. Mercury’s proximity to the Sun subjects it to extreme temperatures of up to 480 degrees Celsius and intense solar radiation, making missions to the planet exceedingly difficult. Thus far, only two probes have been sent to Mercury. The ongoing BepiColombo mission, launched in 2018, aims to arrive in 2025 and may provide further insights into Mercury’s composition and the diamond layer theory.
The notion of a diamond layer on Mercury continues to fascinate and challenge scientists, offering a glimpse into the complex and dynamic processes at work on one of the solar system’s most enigmatic planets. As technology advances and more data becomes available, the understanding of Mercury’s hidden treasures may deepen, revealing even more about the planet’s unique geological characteristics.
Based on content from www.tagesschau.de