The miniature universe was created in the laboratory.

Scientists at the U.S. National Accelerator Laboratory (SLAC) recreate some of the most significant events in the universe, helping to prove or disprove many theories and predictions about the cosmos.

A miniature universe in a laboratory. Photo: SLAC.

Siegfried Glenzer, head of the high-energy density research unit, and his colleagues successfully recreated the impact of a meteorite with the Earth's surface. Because graphite can transform into diamond under high pressure, scientists predict that when a meteorite collides with graphite on the ground, it could create lonsdaleite.

By placing a shock wave inside a graphite sample and compressing it with an extremely powerful laser pulse, Glenzer's team transformed graphite into lonsdaleite, a special form of diamond that is harder than ordinary diamond, proving the theory of meteorite impacts.

According to Science Alert, scientists have also recreated the existence of giant gas planets like Jupiter by observing the phase transition of liquid hydrogen from a non-conductive state under normal conditions to a conductive state at high pressure and temperature.

In this experiment, Glenzer used liquid deuterium, a less stable isotope of hydrogen, then rapidly heated and compressed it using a high-energy Janus laser. At pressures exceeding 250,000 atm and temperatures over 3,800 degrees Celsius, the scientists found that the deuterium transitioned to a metallic, electrically conductive state.

"Understanding this process helps us better understand the formation of planets and the evolution of the solar system," Glenzer said. At SLAC, researchers conduct numerous experiments to clarify the formation of planets, the impact of pivotal events, and other processes in the universe.

According to VNE