Scientists have discovered a new type of planet outside the Solar System that has never been observed before.
According to "Qafqazinfo", the surface of this celestial body called L 98–59 d heats up to approximately 1500 degrees and is completely covered with molten lava.
According to research conducted by Oxford University researchers, the most notable feature of the planet is the giant magma ocean located inside it. This constant lava sea constitutes a large part of the planet's structure and causes a high accumulation of sulfur.
Based on the research results, hydrogen sulfide gas dominates the planet's atmosphere. On Earth, this gas is known for its "rotten egg" smell. Scientists state that because of this, the planet has an extremely sharp and unpleasant odor.
During the study, data obtained from the "James Webb" space telescope and ground-based observatories was used. Analyses showed that the density of the planet is unusually low relative to its size.
Previously, such objects were thought to be either hydrogen-rich "gas dwarfs" or ice and water worlds. However, the new findings show that L 98–59 d belongs to a completely different class of planets characterized by a magma ocean that extends thousands of kilometers beneath the surface.
The planet, located about 35 light-years away and orbiting a small red star, is estimated to be 5 billion years old.
Scientists believe that studying such magma oceans can provide important information for understanding the early formation period of Earth. This is because it is known that rocky planets, including Earth, initially had molten surfaces in their early stages.
Researchers emphasize that such discoveries not only allow us to study distant planets but also deepen our understanding of the history of our own planet.