"Metallic Marvel: Unveiling the Most Metal Exoplanet in the Universe"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Ars Technica
Exoplanet GJ 367b, dubbed the "super Mercury," is an extreme planet that is almost twice as dense as Earth, suggesting it is made of solid iron. Scientists believe that GJ 367b was once the core of an ancient rocky planet, with the iron core now making up over 90% of the planet. Possible formation scenarios include collisions that stripped away its outer layers or intense radiation from orbiting close to its star. Further investigations into GJ 367b could provide insights into the formation and evolution of rocky planets and those with short orbital periods.