Volcanic Earth-Like Exoplanet Discovered in Habitable Zone

1 min read
Source: ScienceAlert
Volcanic Earth-Like Exoplanet Discovered in Habitable Zone
Photo: ScienceAlert
TL;DR Summary

Astronomers have discovered an exoplanet, LP 791-18d, that is almost the same size as Earth and sits in the habitable zone of its star. However, the planet's rotation is tidally locked, meaning one side is always in scorching hot daylight, and the other in perpetual night. The planet's insides are probably a roiling hot mess that erupt from its surface in the form of raging volcanoes. The discovery could help astronomers better understand how habitable conditions emerge on Earth-like planets and the importance of studying each planetary system holistically.

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