NASA Telescope Discovers Half-Lava Exoplanet Of Same Size As Earth

NASA scientists have recently found a planet almost the same size as Earth, orbiting a star similar to our Sun. The planet, HD 63433 d, is an Earth-sized rocky world in the HD 63433 system, distinguished by its extreme temperatures. Although it is the same size as the Earth, the similarities end there, with one hemisphere resembling an endless expanse of lava.

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The HD 63433 system had previously revealed two larger planets (HD 63433 c and HD 63433 b) similar to small Neptunes, as discovered by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS).

HD 63433 d stands out due to its nearly identical size to Earth, estimated at 1.073 Earth radii. Detecting small, rocky planets is challenging with current technology, particularly using methods like TESS’s transit method. Despite its small size, HD 63433 d’s close orbit to its sun results in a significant shadow cast during its short “year” of just 4.2 Earth days.

Situated approximately 73 light-years away, HD 63433 d intrigues astronomers with its unique features uncovered by researchers from the University of Florida and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Due to its close orbit, HD 63433 d experiences scorching temperatures as it’s tidally locked, with one side perpetually facing the star (similar to the Sun), which reaches a searing temperature of approximately 2,294 degrees Fahrenheit (1,257 degrees Celsius). Scientists say that this side is fully molten, and volcanic features likely dominate most of the surface.

While HD 63433 d may not be suitable for habitation, it presents a captivating opportunity to explore the early stages of planetary development. The star system it belongs to, HD 63433, is relatively young, around 400 million years old, compared to our Sun’s age of 4.6 billion years. Despite being one of several volcanic worlds discovered, HD 63433 d stands out as the smallest known exoplanet under 500 million years old. Delving into the characteristics of this exoplanet could offer valuable insights into the evolution of Earth-like planets and make it a prominent target for future observations.

There are 5,569 confirmed exoplanets, and over 10,000 candidates awaiting review. This count only scratches the surface, given the vast number of galaxies and stars, suggesting an immense, hidden array of worlds in the universe.