Astronomers have found an Earth-size planet that isn’t like Earth at all.
Instead, the exoplanet, called LP 791-18 D, is likely covered in volcanoes and may experience eruptions with the same frequency as Jupiter’s moon Io, the most volcanically active place in our solar system, according to researchers.
Data from NASA’s planet-hunting Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, the retired Spitzer Space Telescope and ground-based telescopes was used to find the exoplanet.
A study detailing the findings was published Wednesday in the journal Nature.
LP 791-18 d is located about 90 light-years from Earth in the Crater constellation, where it orbits a small red dwarf star.
#Lp79118d #NASA #exoplanet ~PR.153~ED.155~GR.125~HT.96~