Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Researchers are astounded by a recent discovery of a newly found planet outside our Solar System, which exhibits extreme characteristics that challenge conventional understanding.
Representative pic
Astrophysicist Stephen Kane from the University of California - Riverside was initially taken aback by the findings and meticulously verified his calculations to confirm the existence of this remarkable planet.
Representative pic
The discovery was made while studying the star system HD 104067, located approximately 66 light years away from Earth, using data gathered by NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), launched in 2018.
This newly identified planet, named TOI-6713.01, shares similarities with Earth in terms of its rocky composition but exceeds Earth's size by more than 30%. However, its most striking resemblance is to Io, Jupiter's volcanic moon.
Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, Dani Player
TOI-6713.01 is characterized by intense volcanic eruptions, with surface temperatures surpassing even some stars, reaching approximately 2,600 degrees Kelvin.
Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Trent Schindler, National Science Foundation
Kane likens the new planet to "Io on steroids," highlighting its volcanic activity and molten lava surface. Gravitational forces, similar to those affecting Io, drive the volcanic eruptions on TOI-6713.01.
The eccentric orbit of TOI-6713.01, influenced by outer planets in its system, generates tidal energy, heating the planet's surface akin to a racquetball constantly struck with paddles.
Researchers are eager to determine the planet's mass and density to gain insights into the availability of volcanic materials. This research will shed light on the dynamics of tidal energy and volcanic activity on extraterrestrial bodies.
AI generated
Future investigations will focus on measuring TOI-6713.01's mass and density, offering valuable insights into its geological processes and further expanding our understanding of planets beyond our Solar System.