When the world gets closer.

We help you see farther.

Sign up to our expressly international daily newsletter.

Categories

HomeGeopoliticsEconomyFuture
GreenSocietyWeirdIdeas

Focus

Ukraine WarGreen or GoneCoronavirusThe New Now
Paris CallingTrumpMigrant LivesChina 2.0

Countries

FranceUSAGermanyUnited-Kingdom
ItalyRussiaChinaNew-Zealand

Sources

Die WeltLa StampaThe ConversationThe WireKayhan-London
Les EchosEl EspectadorLivy BeregWorldcrunchBrowse all sources >

More about Worldcrunch

About usEditorial MissionEqual OpportunityCorporate Services

Follow us on social media

FlipboardTwitterFacebookInstagramLinkedIn
Future
United States

"Now That's A Rock!" Discovery Of A Planet Made Of Diamond

FutureWORLDCRUNCHSourcesCountriesUnited States

ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL LETTERS, REUTERS

Worldcrunch

Researchers from France and the United States have discovered a planet twice the size of the Earth, but far denser, which appears to be one-third constituted of diamond, Reuters reported Thursday.

Yale researcher Nikku Madhusudhan and Olivier Mousis of the Institut de Recherche en Astrophysique et Planetologie in Toulouse, France, will publish a joint report in an upcoming issue of Astrophysical Journal Letters, a peer-reviewed astronomy journal.

According to the researchers, the planet, 55 Cancri e, is 40 light-years from Earth in the Cancer constellation. “The surface of this planet is likely covered in graphite and diamond rather than water and granite,” Madhusudhan told Reuters, adding that the discovery showed that other planets could have atmospheres and chemical constituents very different from those on Earth.

Badge
WORLDCRUNCH
Premium stories from Worldcrunch's own network of multi-lingual journalists in over 30 countries.
WORLDCRUNCHWORLDCRUNCH Logo

You've reached your limit of free articles.

To read the full story, start your free trial today.

Get unlimited access. Cancel anytime.

Exclusive coverage from the world's top sources, in English for the first time.

Insights from the widest range of perspectives, languages and countries.

Geopolitics
china-taiwan relations

China's Military Intentions Are Clear — And Arming Taiwan Is The Only Deterrence

China is spending more money on weapons and defense than ever. The reason is evident: Xi Jinping wants to take Taiwan. Europe should follow the U.S. and support Taipei militarily as the only way to deter Beijing from war.

Photo of Military drills in Taiwan amid rising China-U.S. Tensions

Taiwanese soldiers stand guard at a base during a military drill simulating defense operations against a possible Chinese PLA intrusion

Daniel Ceng Shou-Yi/ZUMA Press Wire
GeopoliticsTaiwanChinaSourcesEuropeDIE WELTfeatured-postCountries
Gregor Schwung

-OpEd-

BERLIN — Fear is never the best advisor.

It is, however, an understandable emotion when China announces the biggest increase in its defense budget in memory. And when Beijing does so after siding with Russia in the Ukraine war with its supposed "peace plan" and justifying the increase with an alleged "escalating oppression" of China in the world.

The budget plan unveiled by outgoing Premier Li Keqiang calls for a 7.2% increase in defense spending. That's more than in previous years — and just the official figure.

Experts estimate the true spending is much higher, as Beijing finances its military through numerous shadow budgets.

Keep reading...Show less
View article in original language
English edition • Worldcrunch
DIE WELTDIE WELT Logo

You've reached your limit of free articles.

To read the full story, start your free trial today.

Get unlimited access. Cancel anytime.

Exclusive coverage from the world's top sources, in English for the first time.

Insights from the widest range of perspectives, languages and countries.

The latest