4 facts
Located about 40 light-years away, 55 Cancri e is an exoplanet thought to have a significant portion of its mass as diamond due to its carbon-rich composition and extreme pressures and temperatures. Its surface is likely covered in graphite and diamond.
Scientists believe that lightning storms on these gas giants convert methane into soot, which is then compressed into graphite and finally diamonds as it falls through the planets' dense atmospheres. These diamonds could form vast oceans deep within.
Scientists theorize that lightning storms convert methane into soot, which then hardens into graphite and eventually diamonds as it falls through the planets' dense atmospheres. These diamonds could be massive, up to a centimeter in diameter, creating truly sparkling storms.
Scientists believe that under the extreme pressures and temperatures deep within these ice giants, methane breaks down, and carbon atoms are compressed into solid diamonds that then "rain" down through the planets' mantles.