Last year, NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope made a captivating discovery in the area of planets beyond Earth. A unique planet named 55 Cancri e was discovered, situated around 41 light-years away from our planet. This finding emphasizes the extreme and diverse conditions that function beyond our solar system.
The milky way is a fascinating space, one that leads to new discoveries every now and then. The latest NASA scientists have discovered, is a massive diamond like structure, that is five times bigger than the Earth! Yes, you heard that right. Here’s more on the ‘glittering’ discovery….
Remains of a star
Scientists believe that PSR J1719-1438b (the official name of the structure), is, in reality, a planet that was once part of a star, whose outer layer was stripped off by the massive neutron star, who is also a millisecond pulsar. Although the outer layer was stripped off, what remained was primarily carbon. Hence, 1438b, in all its essence, is a diamond that is 5 times bigger than that of the Earth!
More discoveries were made last year
Last year, NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope made a captivating discovery in the area of planets beyond Earth. A unique planet named 55 Cancri e was discovered, situated around 41 light-years away from our planet. This finding emphasizes the extreme and diverse conditions that function beyond our solar system.
A super-Earth unique from any other planet
55 Cancri e was defined as a ‘super-Earth’, sizing nearly twice the width of Earth and claiming a mass of approximately about nine times greater. The size and mass of this planet establish it as a subject of immense interest for scientists and researchers enthusiastic about exploring the variety of planets that inhabit our galaxy.
Intense temperatures
This foreign planet circles close to its host star, named 55 Cancri A, finishing a full orbit in only 17 hours. This proximity brings about intense surface temperatures, spanning around 4,400 degrees Fahrenheit, which is approximately about 2,400 degrees Celsius. The extreme heat develops a surface dominated by molten lava, ultimately creating a threatening environment for survival as it is known.
An unexpected atmosphere
Surprisingly, scientists have revealed a secondary atmosphere by standing 55 Cancri e. This atmosphere is known to be a result of gases released or of volcanic activity from its lava-like surface. It indicates that the planet has gone through substantial geological advancements regardless of its extreme temperatures.
A planet made of diamonds
Among the most fascinating aspects of 55 Cancri e, greatly captivating the interests and attention of researchers is undoubtedly its expected diamond composition. Studies and research have suggested that at the very least a third of the planet’s mass may consist of diamonds. It has been known that its surface might potentially be covered in diamond and graphite, rather than the familiar water and rock found on Earth. This significantly unique chemical characterization disputes our understanding and beliefs of planetary composition as well as formation.
