The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scientists have reported observing a previously unconfirmed structure of water ice: a hexagonal close-packed (hcp) arrangement of oxygen atoms under extreme pressure and heat. The structure became dominant above 200 GPa and 1,800 K in the superionic regime, according to the team’s 2026 paper. The finding adds a possible phase to models of Uranus and Neptune, but it is not a direct measurement of either planet.
What the scientists observed
The study concerns how oxygen atoms arrange themselves in dense water ice—not the familiar hexagonal crystals in freezer ice. In the reported hcp structure, the oxygen atoms form a hexagonal close-packed lattice. The researchers also examined face-centered cubic (fcc) and body-centered cubic (bcc) arrangements, which describe different ways the oxygen framework can be ordered.
In superionic ice, the oxygen framework remains ordered while hydrogen moves through it. The paper reports hcp ice becoming dominant upon entering this regime above 200 GPa and 1,800 K, and identifies anomalous thermal expansion as evidence for the change. Those findings establish a structural observation; the abstract does not, by itself, establish detailed electrical or mechanical properties of the hcp form.
How the experiment worked
Alexis Forestier and coauthors compressed a small water sample in laser-heated diamond anvil cells and used synchrotron X-ray diffraction to infer its structure. The diffraction pattern provides evidence about the arrangement of atoms in the sample under the experimental conditions. This was a controlled laboratory experiment, not an ice sample taken from a planet.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
The paper’s abstract describes the observed phase behavior and the authors’ interpretation, but the publicly available abstract and preprint record do not provide enough detail to reconstruct every sample-preparation step, uncertainty, or boundary of phase stability.
How hcp relates to fcc and bcc ice
The authors say their observations are consistent with hcp becoming thermodynamically more stable than fcc ice through a martensitic transition across 130–200 GPa. They also report that hcp can emerge from stacking disorder in the fcc oxygen lattice upon cooling, as the material reverts toward the bcc phase. These are reported interpretations of structural changes in the experiment, not claims that all three arrangements occur together under one set of conditions.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| Structure | Oxygen-lattice arrangement | Reported context |
|---|---|---|
| Hcp | Hexagonal close-packed | Dominant above 200 GPa and 1,800 K in the superionic regime, according to the paper abstract. |
| Fcc | Face-centered cubic | The authors describe evidence consistent with an fcc-to-hcp martensitic transition across 130–200 GPa. |
| Bcc | Body-centered cubic | The authors report a cooling-related pathway in which hcp emerges from fcc stacking disorder as the material reverts toward bcc. |
What this could mean for Uranus and Neptune
The result may give planetary scientists another water-ice phase to consider when modeling the interiors of the ice giants. The experiment does not show that Uranus or Neptune contains a particular amount of hcp ice, directly measure conditions at a specific location inside either planet, or determine the planets’ overall composition. It addresses water ice under laboratory conditions, not the full mixture of materials in a planetary interior.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Publication details
The peer-reviewed paper by Alexis Forestier, Gunnar Weck, Sandra Ninet, Gaston Garbarino, Mohamed Mezouar, Frédéric Datchi, and Paul Loubeyre appeared in Physical Review Letters 137, article 114101, on September 9, 2026. The preprint record lists version 3 as revised August 26, 2026, and gives the journal reference.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesRank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Sources: American Physical Society paper abstract; arXiv preprint record.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
