Astronomers have found a planet they believe is covered by active volcanoes. Exoplanet, LP 791-18 is comparable in size to Earth and potentially harbours water on a portion of its surface.
Located roughly 90 light-years away in the Crater constellation, LP 791-18 d orbits a red dwarf star and is tidally locked, meaning it lacks the day and night cycle that we experience on Earth. One side of the planet is constantly bathed in scorching sunlight, while the other remains perpetually shrouded in darkness.
Björn Benneke, one of the astronomers involved in the study, explained that the extreme temperatures on the day side would likely prohibit the existence of liquid water. That said, the study’s astronomers speculate that the abundant volcanic activity across the planet could potentially generate an atmosphere capable of allowing water to condense on the night side.
Speaking to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Benneke stated, “The amount of volcanic activity we suspect occurs all over the planet could sustain an atmosphere, which may allow water to condense on the night side.”
There are at least two additional planets, within the LP 791-18 system; LP 791-18 b and c. LP 791-18 c.
The presence of tectonic and volcanic activity raises intriguing questions within the field of astrobiology, which broadly explores the origins of life on Earth and beyond. Jessie Christiansen, a co-author of the study, noted, “A big question in astrobiology… is if tectonic or volcanic activity is necessary for life.”
Christiansen further elaborated that apart from potentially facilitating the development of an atmosphere, these processes could bring vital materials to the surface, preventing them from sinking into the planet’s crust. These materials, including carbon, are considered crucial for the sustenance of life.
