Earth & Planets Laboratory

A composite image showing the Hayabusa2 spacecraft approaching the Ryugu asteroid. Spacecraft image is courtesy of NASA. Asteroid image is courtesy of JAXA, University of Tokyo, Kochi University, Rikkyo University, Nagoya University, Chiba Institute of Technology, Meiji University, Aizu University, and AIST.

A view over Fisher Caldera in the foreground, looking out to Shishaldin Volcano, at a distance in 2015. The gray and gloomy tone of the photo is characteristic of the weather in the Aleutian Island. Photo is courtesy of Daniel Rasmussen of the National Museum of Natural History. Photo taken under Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Research and Monitoring Special Use Permit #74500-15-011.

Working with magnesium germanate, Mg2GeO4, analogous to one of the mantle’s most abundant silicate minerals, the team was able to glean information about the potential mineralogy of super-Earths and other large, rocky exoplanets. Under about 2 million times normal atmospheric pressure a new phase emerged with a distinct crystalline structure that involves one germanium bonded with eight oxygens. The new eight-coordinated, intrinsically discorded mineral is expected to strongly affect the internal temperature and dynamics of these planets. Illustration is courtesy of Rajkrishna Dutta.