Newly-discovered exoplanet could be home to sapphires and rubiesDecember 26, 2018 - 11:53 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - An exoplanet discovered lately is just 21 light-years away and is five times the mass of the Earth, but with a lower density. It's not just its mass that makes this a super-Earth, unlike our planet. Its composition does too. Known as HD219134 b, it is likely to be rich in aluminum oxide, a key component in many gemstones, and for this reason, researchers think that sapphires and rubies might be present on the planet, Business Insider reports. This world orbits its star in just three days and is in a very hot region around the star. The team used computer models to establish how such a planet would form and discovered that it would likely be rich in calcium and aluminum, with silicon and magnesium as well, but very little iron. The research, published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, suggests that the planet's potential composition would lead to a different cooling time from other Earth-like planets and different properties in general. The researchers think that this object is part of a new class of super-Earths, and there are other examples that could fit the description too. "What's exciting is that these objects are completely different from the majority of Earth-like planets, if they actually exist," lead author Dr Caroline Dorn, from the University of Zurich, said in a statement. "In our calculations, we found that these planets have 10 to 20 percent lower densities than Earth. We looked at different scenarios to explain the observed densities. We've thus found three candidates that belong to a new class of super-Earths with this exotic composition." Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |