Earth-sized exoplanet is likely covered with volcanoes, researchers say
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The planet is in the Milky Way, about 86 light-years away from our own solar system.
An Earth-sized planet orbiting a star beyond our solar system is likely covered with volcanoes, researchers have concluded.
The planet is in the Milky Way, about 86 light-years away from our own solar system. A light year is the equivalent to the distance light travels in a year, or about 5.9 trillion miles.
The researchers' observations suggest that the planet is rugged and rocky, with constant eruptions from volcanoes on the surface. Scientists didn't directly see the volcanoes, but instead used observations of the way the planet interacts with one of the other larger planets orbiting the same dim star. The larger planet has a strong gravitational tug, which may cause the newer, smaller one to squeeze and flex, heating the interior and causing volcanic activity on the surface. Observations show the smaller planet is deformed every time it goes around the star. The movement is comparable to Io, a moon of Jupiter, which is the most volcanically active body in our solar system.
The planet, which does not rotate, may also hold water, researchers said. One side of the planet is too hot, but the other side remains in permanent night, which scientists said could "plausibly" allow for water condensation.
The planet may also be able to sustain an atmosphere, the research team said, though what kind of atmosphere the planet is capable of hosting will vary based on its formation history.
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