Carbon planet: Difference between revisions
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:''This article is about the theoretical planet type. For the environmental company, see [http://www.carbonplanet.com Carbon Planet].'' |
:''This article is about the theoretical planet type. For the environmental company, see [http://www.carbonplanet.com Carbon Planet].'' |
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A '''carbon planet''', also referred to as a '''diamond planet''' or '''carbide planet''' is a theoretical type of [[terrestrial planet]] proposed by [[Marc Kuchner]] |
A '''carbon planet''', also referred to as a '''diamond planet''' or '''carbide planet''', is a theoretical type of [[terrestrial planet]] proposed by [[Marc Kuchner]] that could form from [[protoplanetary disc]]s if they are [[carbon]]-rich and [[oxygen]]-poor. According to [[planetary science]], it would have to develop differently from [[Earth]], [[Mars]] and [[Venus (planet)|Venus]], planets made up mostly of silicon-oxygen compounds. |
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Current theories predict that such a planet would likely have an [[iron]]-rich [[planetary core|core]] similar to the known terrestrial planets. Above that would be a |
Current theories predict that such a planet would likely have an [[iron]]-rich [[planetary core|core]] similar to the known terrestrial planets. Above that would be a stratum of [[silicon carbide]] and [[titanium carbide]], and a layer of carbon above that in the form of graphite, possibly with a layer of [[diamond]] at the bottom, kilometers thick, if there is sufficient pressure. The surface would contain [[hydrocarbon]]s and [[carbon monoxide]]. [[Life|Extraterrestrial life]] might be possible, especially if water is present, but the highly reducing environment could result in metabolism taking the opposite approach to that of terrestrial life, with oxygen-bearing compounds being taken in as food to react with the carbon-based atmosphere. |
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The [[pulsar]] [[PSR 1257+12]] may possess carbon planets that formed from the disruption of a [[star]] that produced carbon as it aged. Carbon planets might also be located near the [[galactic core]], where stars have more carbon. |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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*[[Terrestrial planet]] |
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*[[Planetary science]] |
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*[[Definition of planet]] |
*[[Definition of planet]] |
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Revision as of 18:57, 29 July 2007
- This article is about the theoretical planet type. For the environmental company, see Carbon Planet.
A carbon planet, also referred to as a diamond planet or carbide planet, is a theoretical type of terrestrial planet proposed by Marc Kuchner that could form from protoplanetary discs if they are carbon-rich and oxygen-poor. According to planetary science, it would have to develop differently from Earth, Mars and Venus, planets made up mostly of silicon-oxygen compounds.
Current theories predict that such a planet would likely have an iron-rich core similar to the known terrestrial planets. Above that would be a stratum of silicon carbide and titanium carbide, and a layer of carbon above that in the form of graphite, possibly with a layer of diamond at the bottom, kilometers thick, if there is sufficient pressure. The surface would contain hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. Extraterrestrial life might be possible, especially if water is present, but the highly reducing environment could result in metabolism taking the opposite approach to that of terrestrial life, with oxygen-bearing compounds being taken in as food to react with the carbon-based atmosphere.
The pulsar PSR 1257+12 may possess carbon planets that formed from the disruption of a star that produced carbon as it aged. Carbon planets might also be located near the galactic core, where stars have more carbon.
See also
External links
- astro-ph 0504214 Marc J. Kuchner, Extrasolar Carbon Planets