Astronomers Discover Earth-Size Planet Covered in Volcanoes
TL;DR
Astronomers have discovered an Earth-sized exoplanet, LP 791-18 d, believed to be highly volcanic, potentially sustaining an atmosphere and allowing for water condensation on its cooler side. It orbits a small red dwarf star approximately 90 light-years away, sitting on the edge of the habitable zone. The planet's volcanic activity could be as frequent as Jupiter's moon Io, the most volcanically active body in our solar system. The discovery was made using data from NASA's TESS and Spitzer Space Telescope, and future studies are planned using the James Webb Space Telescope.
- Volcano World: Earth-Size Planet Discovered by Astronomers May Be Carpeted With Volcanoes SciTechDaily
- Earth-size exoplanet may be covered in volcanoes CNN
- Earth-sized alien planet gripped by widespread volcanism Reuters
- This Earth-Size Planet May Be Entirely Covered in Volcanoes Gizmodo
- Astronomers identify volcano-covered planet that could have water on its surface Engadget
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