Thread by @weatherindia

Rich Universe: Study Suggests Possibility of Hidden Diamond Core in Carbon-rich Exoplanets - by @MrigDixit

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The universe is home to trillions of intriguing celestial objects, most of which are yet to be discovered and explored. The most common, yet fascinating among these are the exoplanets—types of planets that orbit a star other than our Sun.

Now, scientists have deduced that the universe could be much ‘richer’ than previous estimates, with the presence of diamonds in the core of several exoplanets.

‘Exo’ is derived from Greek, which means outside and that’s why the name exoplanet for any planet outside our solar system.

To date, astronomers have confirmed the presence of more than 4,000 exoplanets using several powerful space telescopes like the US space agency #NASA’s Hubble, TESS, and Kepler.

The new study suggests that some among these could be carbon-rich planets, and given the right circumstance, their core could be made of diamond.

Presence of #diamonds

A star with a lower carbon to oxygen ratio, like the Sun, have planets like the Earth—comprising silicates and oxides with a very small diamond content.

On the other hand, the star systems with high carbon to oxygen ratio—where carbon is more abundant than oxygen—could host carbon-rich exoplanets, as per the study. Our planet Earth holds 0.001% of diamonds in its core.

This theory factually proves formation of diamond-rich composition amongst exoplanets. In order to scientifically test this hypothesis, the team mimicked interior of carbide exoplanets using high heat and pressure environment, utilising high-pressure diamond-anvil cells in a lab.

The experiments proved that with high heat and pressure, the silicon carbide reacted with water to produce diamonds and silica.

But are these exoplanets habitable, like #Earth?

Well, evidence of life as we know it is yet to be found beyond planet Earth. However, the initial research strongly indicates that carbon-rich planets may not hold properties to support life.

As compared to our Earth, the #exoplanets are not geologically active and the atmospheric conditions are, therefore, unlikely to support any form of life as we know it.

First-known diamond-rich exoplanet—55 Cancri e

Earlier astronomers dubbed 55 Cancri e— an exoplanet twice the size of planet Earth—to be one of the candidates that support perfect conditions to create diamonds in its core.

As per the study published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters in 2012, the surface temperature of this exoplanet reaches a whopping 2,150 degrees Celsius—ideal conditions for diamond formation in this carbon-rich exoplanet.

The presence of these exotic worlds was once imagined in only science fiction—now slowly coming to reality.

.@NASA has already started to invest in asteroid exploration missions to extract valuable resources and it is just a matter of time that humanity aims to reach the exoplanets too. When the time comes, these shiny planets could be the centre of attraction in the upcoming centuries