The core observation will be run April 20-29. During this time, the Hubble space telescope will turn its attention to BPM37093 and provide the astronomers with measurements in ultraviolet and optical wavelengths. Kawaler said the Hubble measurements will allow the astronomers to actually see BPM37093 as it pulsates. The astronomers will continue to monitor the dwarf star periodically for several years. What they'd like to obtain is the first direct evidence of a star that shines, or in this case, pulsates, like a diamond.
Different elements crystallize at different temperatures.
Heavier elements like oxygen crystallize first, then the carbon will crystallize. If oxygen crystallizes in a gas of carbon, then those crystalline nuggets will sink to the inside of the star as if it were snowing. The snowing effect would create additional energy not accounted for in current white dwarf star models, Kawaler said. But if the oxygen crystallizes and stays suspended, then you're getting crystallization without an additional energy source. If it snows, you'll have an oxygen crystal core and a carbon crystal mantle.