A New Type of Exoplanet Has a Magma Ocean That’s Lasted 5 Billion Years

This artist's illustration shows the sulphur-rich exoplanet L 98-59 d orbiting its red dwarf star about 35 light-years away. The unusual planet could represent an entirely new class of exoplanet. Its high sulphur content keeps it in a molten state. Image Credit: Mark A. Garlick / markgarlick.com

A study led by the University of Oxford has identified a new type of planet beyond our Solar System – one that stores large amounts of sulphur deep within a permanent ocean of magma. The magma ocean has lasted 5 billion years so far, while Earth’s magma ocean likely lasted only tens of millions of years.

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