Hydrogen-helium mixtures at megabar pressures: Implications for Jupiter and Saturn

Authors

J. E. Klepeis, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
K. J. Schafer, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
T. W. Barbee, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
M. Ross, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-1991

Abstract

Models of Jupiter and Saturn postulate a central rock core surrounded by a fluid mixture of hydrogen and helium. These models suggest that the mixture is undergoing phase separation in Saturn but not Jupiter. State-of-the-art total energy calculations of the enthalpy of mixing for ordered alloys of hydrogen and helium confirm that at least partial phase separation has occurred in Saturn and predict that this process has also begun in Jupiter.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Science

First Page

986

Last Page

989

Recommended Citation

Klepeis, J., Schafer, K., Barbee, T., & Ross, M. (1991). Hydrogen-helium mixtures at megabar pressures: Implications for Jupiter and Saturn. Science, 254 (5034), 986-989. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.254.5034.986