October 9, 2013

Diamond 'Super-Earth' May Not be Quite as Precious, UA Graduate Student Finds

In the sky with diamonds? A so-called Super-Earth, planet 55 Cancri e was believed to be the first known planet 
to consist largely of diamond, 
due in part to the high carbon-to-oxygen ratio of its host star. 
(Artist's concept: Haven Giguere/Yale University)

An alien world reported to be the first known planet to consist largely of diamond appears less likely to be of such precious nature, according to a new analysis led by UA graduate student Johanna Teske.