Something weird happens when you keep squeezing

Under extreme pressures, matter defies the rules of physics as we know it.

Physicists have a pretty good handle on how stuff behaves on the surface of the Earth. But a lot of matter in the universe exists outside this narrow band of relatively low temperatures and pressures. Inside planets and stars, the crushing force of gravity begins to overwhelm the electromagnetic and nuclear forces that keep atoms apart and maintain the shapes of molecules.

What happens next? Scientists (including a consortia of researchers at the NSF’s Center for Matter at Atomic Pressures​​) are just starting to figure that out. They use a variety of tools (including some humongous lasers) to simulate planetary cores and see what happens. A few standout findings so far:

Presented by the Center for Matter at Atomic Pressures (CMAP) at the University of Rochester,

What happens under extreme pressures deep with planets also influences their ability to foster life. Check out our videos about the search for Earth-like worlds beyond our solar system:

How to find a planet you can’t see:

Here’s a closer look at another giant laser (at the National Ignition Facility):

This material is based upon work of the Center for Matter at Atomic Pressures (CMAP), supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. PHY-2020249. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Science Foundation.

This material is based upon work supported by the Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration under Award Number DE-NA0003856, the University of Rochester, and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

This video was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the U.S. Government. Neither the U.S. Government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the U.S. Government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the U.S. Government or any agency thereof.

[Ashinle]

This was absurdly well produced. Makes me feel like I'm a kid watching a science show on TV again.

[TimeBucks]

Absolute world class science communication

[HighFlyer]

10/10

From Intro to Outro, even perfectly fitting music. Whatever team this scripted and produced, you are clearly perfectionists enjoying themselves.

[EvilTim]

When I keep squeezing usually HR gets involved.

[yushidong]

As a PhD student working on matters at high pressure, I am amazed by the scientific precision and easy-to-follow demonstration. Simply amazing.

Super nice job on the animations in this video. Keep up the good work, Vox!

[ipeaceful]

loved the animation style and sound design. thank you for doing such a great job communicating science!

[numannorshahrin]

Vox turning a new leaf and making science videos now. Love the video btw.

[jonathancalvobenitez]

This video was perfect from start to finish, the topic, how the video was structured, animated and edited, what a masterpiece.

[justsayjay]

That last laser spike and blip was perfectly satisfying

[xkingx]

I love how Vox made this highly technical topic interesting to the average people like me. More of this please! 😊

[floschy_]

I think this is my new favorite vox episode
The story telling
The animations
The graphics
The content
And especially the end
Great job

[omppqez]

So now we have a pressure machine all we need is Goku

[carloseduardocorreiagatell]

This is arguably one of the best videos I've seen on this platform in terms of storytelling and production. Amazing job!

[AlexandersLeftNipple]

I really appreciate you traveling all the way to the center of the sun for this video; really demonstrates your dedication to your work

[ThwipThwipBoom]

I haven't seen something this amazingly well created from Vox in a while. More please!

[SoniKumari-rbhu]

This is one of the best science videos I have seen on YouTube. Fully consistent, conscise and on the track throughout the 12 minutes.

[philleshy]

This really is a good animation, i hope this kind of style is being made again, and that Titan explosion sound though, nice touch

[Navarro]

Obviously the visuals were amazing, but lets congratulate the sound design and music as well! Fantastic video!

[Boomhauersdad]

Vox is the one media source that seems like they’re actually trying to improve every time