Scientists Say There’s a Planet Lined With Diamonds [Space]

The extremely hot planet Wasp-12b has the sort of high carbon-to-oxygen ratio that scientists are saying that the planet’s surface could be affected by diamonds. The lead researcher specifies: ” You could see land masses and mountains made of diamonds.”

Astronomers are saying that it’s the first carbon-rich planet ever observed. Planets in our solar system typically have a 1 to 2 carbon to oxygen ratio, Wasp-12b, then again, has more carbon than oxygen. As a consequence of all that carbon (and that there’s no water on this planet), astronomers believe that Wasp-12b can have diamonds in its core (but current technology is limiting them from seeing the actual core).

Before you start building your DIY space shuttle though, you must know that the planet is 1,200 light years away and ridiculously, ridiculously hot (like 2315 degrees Celsius hot). There was also murmurs that Wasp-12b was going to be eaten by its star . So maybe diamonds aren’t forever. [ The Star via BBC ]

Image Credit: NASA

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This post is tagged: consequence, current technology, image credit, planets in our solar system, space shuttle