Scientists Discover New Type of Exoplanet with a Global Magma Ocean

A team of astronomers has confirmed that exoplanet L 98-59 d, orbiting a red dwarf star just 35 light-years from Earth, is covered by a global ocean of molten magma. The finding establishes a new category of world that doesn't fit neatly into existing classifications of rocky planets, gas giants, or ice worlds.

A World of Liquid Rock

L 98-59 d orbits so close to its host star that surface temperatures reach approximately 1,800°F (1,000°C) — hot enough to melt rock. But unlike other known "lava worlds," this planet's magma ocean appears to be deep and global, with atmospheric signatures suggesting ongoing volcanic outgassing on a massive scale.

How It Was Detected

The discovery was made using a combination of transit photometry (measuring the star's dimming as the planet passes in front of it) and spectroscopic analysis of the planet's atmosphere during transit. The atmospheric composition — rich in silicon monoxide and sodium — is consistent with vapors rising from a molten silicate surface.

Implications for Planet Formation

Magma ocean worlds may represent an important transitional stage in planetary evolution. Early Earth is believed to have had a global magma ocean shortly after its formation 4.5 billion years ago. Studying L 98-59 d could provide insights into what our own planet looked like in its violent infancy.

Explore Exoplanets on SpaceRadar

Dive deeper into the world of alien planets with our interactive Exoplanet Explorer, featuring data on thousands of confirmed worlds from NASA's Exoplanet Archive.