Scientists are astounded by the discovery of a newly found planet outside the Solar System, so extreme that its existence defies belief. Astrophysicist Stephen Kane from the University of California – Riverside was taken aback by the findings, prompting him to meticulously reevaluate his calculations to confirm the existence of this volcanic-laden world.
The breakthrough occurred during Kane’s study of the star system HD 104067, situated approximately 66 light years away from our sun, already known to host a massive planet. Evidence of the newly discovered planet emerged from data collected by NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), launched in 2018 to search for exoplanets orbiting the brightest stars in the sky, potentially capable of sustaining life.
This rocky planet, dubbed TOI-6713.01, shares similarities with Earth but exceeds its size by over 30%. However, its most striking resemblance lies with Io, Jupiter’s innermost moon renowned for its volcanic activity. TOI-6713.01 is replete with erupting volcanoes, with surface temperatures surpassing even some stars, estimated at a scorching 2,600 degrees Kelvin.
Describing it as “Io on steroids,” Kane paints a vivid picture of a planet constantly ablaze with volcanic eruptions, emitting a glowing, red-hot aura akin to molten lava. Gravitational forces, similar to those driving volcanic activity on Io, contribute to the turmoil on this newly discovered planet. Its eccentric orbit induced by outer planets in the HD 104067 system, combined with tidal energy generated by gravitational interactions, perpetually heats the planet, resembling a racquetball incessantly struck with paddles.
Further research endeavors aim to determine the planet’s mass and density, providing crucial insights into the availability of volcanic materials, akin to Earth’s tides influenced by the moon’s gravity. Understanding these fundamental properties will unravel the mysteries surrounding this fiery celestial body, shedding light on its enigmatic existence.
