Discovery of Eris and the Reclassification of Pluto
2005 · Pasadena, United States
Astronomers announced the discovery of Eris, a dwarf planet in the scattered disc beyond Neptune, which led to the reclassification of Pluto as a dwarf planet.
Discovery of the Largest Known Diamond: BPM 37093
On February 13, 2004, the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics announced a remarkable astronomical discovery: the identification of the largest known diamond, a crystallized white dwarf star named BPM 37093. This star, affectionately nicknamed “Lucy” after the Beatles song “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” represents a fascinating intersection of astrophysics and popular culture.
Background
BPM 37093 is located approximately 50 light-years away in the constellation Centaurus. It is a white dwarf, which is the remnant core of a star that has exhausted its nuclear fuel and shed its outer layers. White dwarfs are typically composed of carbon and oxygen, and over time, they cool and crystallize.
The Discovery
The discovery of BPM 37093’s crystallized core was made possible through the use of asteroseismology, a technique that studies the pulsations of stars. By analyzing these pulsations, astronomers can infer the internal structure of the star. The research team, led by Travis Metcalfe, determined that BPM 37093 had undergone significant crystallization, with about 90% of its mass in a solid state.
Significance
- Size and Composition: The crystallized core of BPM 37093 is estimated to be about 10 billion trillion trillion carats, making it the largest diamond known.
- Astrophysical Insights: This discovery provided valuable insights into the life cycle of stars and the future of our own Sun, which is expected to become a white dwarf and eventually crystallize in a similar manner.
- Cultural Impact: The nickname “Lucy” highlights the cultural fascination with the cosmos and the tendency to connect scientific discoveries with familiar cultural references.
Aftermath and Broader Implications
The discovery of BPM 37093 has had lasting implications for both astrophysics and popular culture. It has sparked interest in the study of white dwarfs and their crystallization processes, contributing to our understanding of stellar evolution. Additionally, it has captured the public’s imagination, illustrating the beauty and wonder of the universe.
In summary, the announcement on February 13, 2004, of the crystallized white dwarf BPM 37093 as the largest known diamond, serves as a testament to the intricate and awe-inspiring processes that govern the cosmos.