Could Ice Form Inside the Sun?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the hypothetical possibility of ice forming inside a sun, considering the extreme temperatures and pressures present in stellar environments. Participants examine the implications of such conditions on the state of matter, particularly hydrogen and other gases.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that, despite the extreme heat of a sun's core, the immense pressures might allow for the formation of ice from hydrogen or another gas.
  • Another participant argues that the temperatures in the sun are too high for ice to form, noting that in similar pressure conditions, hydrogen becomes metallic rather than solid.
  • A different participant emphasizes that at high temperatures, compounds decompose into their elemental forms, suggesting that solidified water (ice) cannot exist in such an environment.
  • Another comment humorously suggests that the idea of ice forming in the sun is highly improbable, using the phrase "A snowball's chance in hell."
  • A later reply introduces a light-hearted reference to "Baked Alaska," possibly alluding to the contrast between hot and cold.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the feasibility of ice forming inside a sun, with multiple competing views presented regarding the effects of temperature and pressure on matter.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include assumptions about the state of matter under extreme conditions, the definitions of "ice," and the lack of consensus on the behavior of hydrogen and other gases in stellar environments.

nefertum
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i understand that this may seem like a impossible theory but is it possible that ice could form inside a sun, i understand that the core of a sun is extremely hot but due to the incredible pressures invovled could hydrogen or another gas be compressed so much that it could form ice?
 
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nefertum said:
i understand that this may seem like a impossible theory but is it possible that ice could form inside a sun, i understand that the core of a sun is extremely hot but due to the incredible pressures invovled could hydrogen or another gas be compressed so much that it could form ice?

At that high temperatures there are no compounds, they decompose at several thousands degrees to the elements. So - assuming by ice you mean solidified water - there is no water to begin with.
 
nefertum said:
i understand that this may seem like a impossible theory but is it possible that ice could form inside a sun, i understand that the core of a sun is extremely hot but due to the incredible pressures invovled could hydrogen or another gas be compressed so much that it could form ice?

That would be known as, "A snowball's chance in hell".
 
Makes me think of Baked Alaska.
 

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