PSR J1719−1438
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PSR J1719-1438 is a millisecond pulsar with a spin period of 5.7 ms. [1] Millisecond pulsars are generally thought to begin as normal pulsars and then spin-up by accreting of matter from a binary companion.
Diamond planet
Timing measurements of PSR J1719-1438 show that it has a low-mass companion. The companion has a mass similar to that of Jupiter and a diameter around 40 percent that of Jupiter. It orbits the pulsar with a period of 2.17 hours at a distance of around 600,000 km (0.89 solar radii). [1] The companion is likely the remnants of the star that the pulsar siphoned off matter from to spin up. Calculations show the companion has a minimum density of 23 grams per cubic centimeter and is probably a ultra-low mass carbon-oxygen white dwarf. [1]
Because the companion to PSR J1719-1438 is planet sized, made primarily of carbon (with an unknown amount of oxygen), and is very dense, it may be similar to a very large diamond. In the science press, the object has been called the "Diamond Planet". [2] [3] [4]
References
- ^ a b c Bailes, M. " Transformation of a Star into a Planet in a Millisecond Pulsar Binary". Science. doi:10.1126/science.1208890.
{{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ "Star Transforms Into A Diamond Planet". Universe Today. Retrieved 8/26/2011.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ "Surprise! Alien Planet Made of Diamond Discovered". Space.com. Retrieved 8/25/2011.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ "A Planet made of Diamond". Max Planck Institut for Radio Astronomy. Retrieved 8/26/2011.
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