Report - Earth-Size Exoplanet Found Outside Our Solar System By NASA

May 17, 2023

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Astronomers discovered and studied the planet using data from NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope and TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) along with many other observatories. Credits: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center/Chris Smith (KRBwyle)

Astronomers have identified an Earth-size exoplanet, or globe outside our solar system, that may be covered in volcanoes. The planet, known as LP 791-18 d, may have volcanic outbursts as frequently as Jupiter’s moon Io, our solar system’s most volcanically active body. NASA’s TESS, Spitzer Space Telescope, and an array of ground-based observatories were used to find and study the planet.

A report published on May 17:
A report describing the planet, led by Merrin Peterson, a graduate of the Trottier Institute for Research on Exoplanets (iREx) at the University of Montreal, was published in the scientific journal Nature on May 17.

Björn Benneke:
“LP 791-18 d is tidally locked, which means the same side always faces its star,” explained Björn Benneke, co-author and iREx astronomy professor who designed and supervised the project. “The day side is likely to be too hot for liquid water to exist on the surface.” However, the amount of volcanic activity that we suspect occurs all across the planet may be enough to sustain an atmosphere, allowing water to condense on the night side.”

LP 791-18 d:
LP 791-18 d circles a small red dwarf star in the southern constellation Crater, which is roughly 90 light-years away. According to the team, it is only slightly larger and heavier than Earth.