Exoplanet with Volcanoes and Perpetual Darkness May Host Alien Life
TL;DR
Astronomers have discovered an Earth-sized exoplanet, LP 791-18 d, orbiting a star beyond our solar system that is likely covered with volcanoes and does not rotate. The planet is in the Milky Way, about 86 light-years away from our own solar system. The planet may also hold water, and one side remains in permanent night, which scientists said could "plausibly" allow for water condensation. The planet was discovered using NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) and the retired NASA Spitzer Space Telescope. The larger planet near LP 791-18 d has been approved for further study using the James Webb Space Telescope.
Topics:sciencespace#exoplanet#james-webb-space-telescope#space#spitzer-space-telescope#tess#volcanoes
- Astronomers discover Earth-sized exoplanet — with one side in perpetual darkness — that is likely covered with volcanoes CBS News
- Earth-size exoplanet may be covered in volcanoes CNN
- This Volcano-Covered Planet May Be Habitable to Alien Life msnNOW
- This Volcanic Hellworld of an Exoplanet Might Be Habitable, Actually Inverse
- NASA finds a harsh world possibly packed with volcanoes Mashable
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