Science2012 - 2024
Fact #61 of 99

Bizzare Facts

Bizarre Fact:
There is a planet made largely of diamond.

Quick Explanation:

55 Cancri e is a 'super-Earth' that scientists believe is composed largely of carbon in the form of diamond and graphite.

Sponsored Portal

The Full Story:

About 40 light-years away lies a planet that sounds like science fiction. **55 Cancri e** is a 'super-Earth' (twice the size of our planet) that orbits extremely close to its star. Because of its high carbon-to-oxygen ratio and intense heat and pressure, scientists hypothesize that a huge portion of its mass is pure carbon in the form of **diamond**.

Estimates suggest that at least a third of the planet's mass could be diamond—an amount worth roughly **$26.9 nonillion** (that's 30 zeros). While it sounds glamorous, the surface temperature is nearly 4,000°F, making it less of a jewelry store and more of a sparkling hellscape.

💡 Swipe left/right or use arrow keys to navigate

Ads like the one below keep Bizarre Facts completely free and accessible to everyone.

There is a planet made largely of diamond. - Bizarre Fact | Schoolyard Myths