Does it Rain Diamonds in Uranus?

Position Description: In his famous paper, The Ice Layer in Uranus and Neptune's Diamonds in the Sky?, Ross first proposed that the mantles of the ice giants Neptune and Uranus may contain significant amounts of diamonds formed during the high-pressure, high-temperature decomposition of hydrocarbons, primarily methane. This hypothesis led to subsequent attempts to experimentally reproduce possible diamond formation conditions typical of the deep interiors of these planets. For this project, we will compile existing experimental data from the literature to investigate at what pressure and temperature methane decomposes into diamond in Uranus (bonus: you might get to co-author a paper on Uranus!).

Project Dates: June 5-June 23, 2023

Number of Available Positions: 2-4

Location: In-person or remote

Pay Rate: $700 stipend at completion of program

Qualifications/Requirements:

• No prior knowledge of the topic is necessary

• High school physics/chemistry

• Computer and internet connection required

The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) welcomes everyone and aims for a diverse and inclusive community.  Preference will be given to freshman and sophomore students, but we encourage all interested students to apply. Students who are already working with members of the EPS community and non-Harvard students are not eligible for this position.