When astronaut Julie Payette next blasts off into space, she’ll be taking a little bit of home with her: a 2.89-carat Canadian rough diamond to be exact.
Known as the Legendary Sky Diamond, the diamond is inscribed with the mission number and coordinates of its point of discovery—De Beers’ Snap Lake Mine near Yellowknife. The company donated the diamond to Astronomy North, an education and outreach initiative dedicated to the collection and preservation of northern sky knowledge and heritage in the Northwest Territories.
The diamond is part of Payette’s official flight kit.
“It is a legendary way to launch a legendary project,” said Astronomy North president James Pugsley. “We are thrilled to include this diamond in the Legendary Sky Project because it presents exciting new opportunities for students to learn about the nature and culture of Canada’s northern sky.”
The Legendary Sky Diamond will be used to tell the story of diamonds on Earth and in space. Analysis of meteorites that crashed in the 1980s found nanometre-sized diamonds within them. Scientists believe three per cent of all carbon in meteorites is made up of nanodiamonds.
“Our goal is to introduce students to the ancient history of Earth, the geology of our solar system, and to the frontiers of space exploration using a tiny stone found in their own backyard,” Pugsley added.
Cathie Bolstad, De Beers Canada’s director of external and corporate affairs, said the fact it is International Year of Astronomy makes the project that much more special.
“This is an outstanding educational opportunity that will help northerners rediscover the sky for years to come,” she said.
Endeavour was scheduled to lift off over the weekend. NASA postponed the launch after discovering a hydrogen leak near the external fuel tank.
Following the 16-day mission, the diamond will return to Yellowknife where it will be donated by Astronomy North to the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre at the opening ceremonies of the Legendary Sky Exhibit.
