Astronomers Identify New Liquid Planet Type

Astronomers Identify New Liquid Planet Type Astronomers have identified a new category of liquid planet, L98-59d, located approximately 35 light-years from Earth. This exoplanet, about 1.6 times the size of Earth, orbits a red star and is characterized by a global magma ocean and potentially a molten core, according to research published in Nature Astronomy .

Initial observations using the James Webb Space Telescope revealed L98-59d possesses a sulfur-rich atmosphere, which computer simulations indicate could only be sustained by a deep magma ocean. This molten state, with surface temperatures reaching 1,900 degrees Celsius (3,500 degrees Fahrenheit), allows the planet to efficiently store atmospheric gases over billions of years. The findings suggest that planets previously considered potentially habitable might instead be these molten worlds.

The discovery expands the understanding of exoplanet diversity and necessitates a re-evaluation of criteria for planetary habitability. The presence of such molten planets implies that they may be more common than previously assumed, influencing future searches for life beyond Earth.