Astronomers have identified an extreme exoplanet named L 98-59 d that presents a unique hellscape environment with a molten surface and a sulfur-rich atmosphere. Located about 34 light-years from Earth in the constellation Volans, this planet orbits a red dwarf star smaller and dimmer than our sun.
Key Takeaways
Astronomers have discovered L 98-59 d, an exoplanet with a molten surface and sulfur-rich atmosphere, about 34 light-years from Earth. This extreme world challenges assumptions about planetary habitability.
- Exoplanet L 98-59 d has a diameter over 60% larger than Earth but only 40% of its density
- The planet's magma ocean comprises 70-90% of its interior radius, with no distinct crust or mantle layers
- Its atmosphere is primarily hydrogen with about 10% toxic hydrogen sulfide, creating a runaway greenhouse effect
- L 98-59 d orbits a red dwarf star and was observed using the James Webb Space Telescope in 2024 and ground-based telescopes in 2025
- The planet is nearly five billion years old, making it slightly older than Earth
The exoplanet's diameter is more than 60% greater than Earth's, but its density is only around 40% of our planet's. This molten world lacks distinct structure within its magma ocean, which comprises 70-90% of the planetary interior radius. The atmosphere is primarily composed of hydrogen with a high sulfur content, including about 10% toxic hydrogen sulfide, creating a runaway greenhouse effect that keeps the surface perpetually molten.
The planet was initially discovered in 2019 and later observed by the James Webb Space Telescope in 2024 and ground-based telescopes in 2025. Researchers used advanced computer simulations to reconstruct its history, revealing it is nearly five billion years old - somewhat older than Earth.
The discovery suggests that L 98-59 d may represent a new category of liquid planets with magma oceans. Its extreme conditions make it inhospitable to life as we know it, but the findings highlight the diversity of worlds beyond our solar system and challenge assumptions about planetary habitability.
According to TimesLIVE, Harrison Nicholls, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Cambridge Institute of Astronomy and lead author of the research published in Nature Astronomy, described the planet's magma ocean as 'a single deep, mushy layer' without distinct crust or mantle layers. Small crystals of solid rock may be trapped within this turbulent fluid magma.
The planet's surface temperature exceeds 1,500°C (2,732°F), far too hot to support life as we know it. The combination of its hot atmosphere and magma ocean creates a self-sustaining cycle that prevents the magma from solidifying into rock. Additional heating comes from radiation and gravitational interactions with other planets in the system.
L 98-59 d is one of five known planets orbiting its red dwarf star, which has just under 30% the mass of our sun and about 1% of its luminosity. This discovery adds to the growing catalog of over 6,100 confirmed exoplanets since the 1990s, with L 98-59 d standing out due to its unique combination of characteristics.
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