Scientists discover exoplanet with magma ocean and sulfur atmosphere 35 light years away
Astrônomos have identified an exoplanet that defies the known categories of rocky worlds. The celestial body L 98-59 d, located 35 light-years from Terra in the constellation Volans, has an extensive molten mantle and an atmosphere rich in sulfur compounds. The discovery, led by Universidade of Oxford, combined data from the James Webb telescope with advanced computer simulations. The planet orbits a red dwarf star and has maintained a magma ocean for billions of years.
Características physics reveal unusual composition
L 98-59 d is approximately 1.6 times larger than Terra, but with a density significantly lower than expected for a pure rock body. Sua’s mass is estimated to be 1.64 times that of Terra, while its radius reaches 1.627 times that of our planet. The density of around 2.2 g/cm³ indicates a high content of volatile substances inside. Essa’s composition differentiates the exoplanet from arid or water-rich rocky worlds found in other regions of the universe.
On the same topic: James Webb discovery reveals colossal black hole star the size of the Solar System
ウェッブ宇宙望遠鏡が解き明かす 49光年先の“黒いスーパーアース”「LHS 3844 b」の表面組成https://t.co/7PIJShvXL7
今回観測対象となったLHS 3844 bは、インディアン座の方向・地球から約49光年先のスーパーアース（地球よりわずかに大きく重い岩石惑星）です pic.twitter.com/1yZVgABcpw
— sorae 宇宙へのポータルサイト (@sorae_jp) May 11, 2026
The mantle composed of molten silicate extends for thousands of kilometers beneath the surface. Diferentemente from early Terra, which cooled and formed a solid crust, L 98-59 d continuously maintains its molten state. An intense greenhouse effect caused by the dense atmosphere prevents the surface from cooling. Pesquisadores suggest that the planet may have started out as a sub-Neptune before losing part of its primordial atmosphere.
Observações of James Webb map the atmosphere
Transit spectroscopy carried out by the James Webb telescope detected the presence of sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide in the upper atmosphere. Esses gases indicate a chemically reducing mantle with active photochemical processes. The production of these sulfur compounds aligns perfectly with data collected by space instruments. The planet lies in the transition region known as the “valley”, where super-Earths and sub-Neptunes separate.
- JWST’s Dados detected sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide in the atmosphere.
- Estimated Massa is 1.64 times that of Terra with radius 1.627 times larger.
- Densidade 2.2 g/cm³, compatible with high volatile content.
- Atmosfera rich in hydrogen with heavy sulfur molecules.
- Planeta orbits a red dwarf star 35 light years from Terra.
Computational Modelagem reconstructs planetary evolution
Pesquisadores reconstructed the history of L 98-59 d since its formation through advanced simulations. The models show how the planet has maintained its magma ocean over billions of years. The intense greenhouse effect prevented the natural cooling that occurred on other rocky worlds. The retention of volatile substances in the mantle makes it possible to sustain the thick atmosphere for long geological periods.
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The team excluded scenarios of dry or water-rich rocky worlds through cross-analysis. Sulfur stored in the mantle completely explains the observed atmospheric composition. The details come from direct observations combined with sophisticated theoretical simulations. The study was published in the journal Nature Astronomy and describes in detail how internal and external processes shape planetary evolution.
Descoberta expands exoplanet classification categories
Dr. Harrison Nicholls, lead author of the study, emphasized that current categories for small planets may be too simplistic. The discovery reflects the diversity of the worlds beyond Sistema Solar. Co-author Professor Raymond Pierrehumbert highlighted the possibility of using simulations to understand the deep past of these inaccessible bodies. The next generation of telescopes should reveal more specimens similar to L 98-59 d.
The expectation is that these merged worlds will be more common than previously imagined. The planet does not offer conditions for known life, but it opens the way for new investigations into planetary formation. Astrônomos predict additional observations to confirm details of the exoplanet’s atmosphere and interior.
Sistema L 98-59 integrates multiple planets into compact orbit
The exoplanet L 98-59 d is part of a system with at least five planets orbiting the same red dwarf star. It is the most external among those detected in this system. The proximity of the host star influences its high thermal state and keeps the magma ocean in a permanent state. Previous Estudoss have provided accurate radius and mass measurements for all detected bodies. Combining observational data with new atmospheric analyzes has enabled significant advances in understanding the system. Pesquisadores continues to monitor L 98-59 and its companion planets for additional clues about their formation and evolution.
Learn more: Red dots in the cosmos: James Webb finds mysterious structures in the early universe
