Newly Discovered Earth-Like Planet Challenges Jupiter's Moon Lo as Volcanic Powerhouse

In the realm of our solar system, Jupiter's moon Io continues to hold the title for the most volcanically active celestial object.

The newly discovered Earth-like planet is the first of its kind found beyond our solar system, presenting significant evidence of volcanism outside our known celestial boundaries.

Situated approximately 90 light-years away in the southern constellation Crater, this planet revolves around a diminutive red dwarf star. It slightly surpasses Earth in size, and the research team speculates that if it possesses comparable geological activity, it might sustain an atmosphere.

According to NASA, LP 791-18 d, an exoplanet, has the potential to experience volcanic eruptions as frequently as Jupiter's moon Io. This extraterrestrial planet was detected through data gathered by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) and the retired Spitzer Space Telescope, with additional validation from ground-based observatories.

Based on scientific analysis, researchers have indicated that the third planet discovered in orbit around this specific star is likely characterized by a volcanic landscape. While direct observation of the planet's volcanism remains elusive, its substantial gravitational interaction with the larger of the two neighbouring planets orbiting the dim star supports the inference of volcanic activity.

Inferred volcanic activity shapes an exoplanet

Based on scientific analysis, researchers have indicated that the third planet discovered in orbit around this specific star is likely characterized by a volcanic landscape. While direct observation of the planet's volcanism remains elusive, its substantial gravitational interaction with the larger of the two neighbouring planets orbiting the dim star supports the inference of volcanic activity.

"LP 791-18 d is tidally locked, which means the same side constantly faces its star. The dayside would probably be too hot for liquid water to exist on the surface. But the amount of volcanic activity we suspect occurs all over the planet could sustain an atmosphere, which may allow water to condense on the night side," Bjorn Benneke, a co-author of the study, said.

"There is not yet any direct observational evidence of exoplanet volcanism, but this planet is a particularly likely candidate," said University of Kansas astronomy professor Ian Crossfield, one of the authors of the research published in the journal Nature.

LP 791-18 d- A potential habitable exoplanet

Situated approximately 86 light-years away from our solar system in the constellation Crater, this planet resides within the Milky Way. A light year, equivalent to the distance light travels in a year, spans around 9.5 trillion kilometres.

With a surface temperature slightly higher than Earth's, it occupies the inner boundary of the habitable zone, often referred to as the Goldilocks zone, encircling the star. This positioning ensures an optimal balance, neither excessively hot nor excessively cold, potentially supporting the presence of liquid water on the planet's surface and fostering conditions conducive to life.

Known Exoplanets: LP 791-18 system

Prior to this finding, astronomers were already aware of two other celestial bodies within the system, designated as LP 791-18 b and c. The outer planet, c, exhibits a size approximately 2.5 times that of Earth and a mass surpassing seven times that of our planet.

"A big question in astrobiology, the field that broadly studies the origins of life on Earth and beyond, is if tectonic or volcanic activity is necessary for life," said co-author Jessie Christiansen.