Astronomers have discovered an Earth-sized planet they suspect is covered in volcanoes and could have the potential to sustain life. The planet, known as LP 791-18 d, is about 90 light-years away from Earth.
The planet, known as LP 791-18 d, is about 90 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Crater, located in the southern celestial hemisphere, according to a research study by the group that located it. LP 791-18 d is estimated to be slightly larger than Earth, according to NASA.“LP 791-18 d is tidally locked, which means the same side constantly faces its star,” said Bjorn Benneke, an astronomy professor at iREx who planned, supervised, and co-authored the study.
The research team suspects that planet d is geologically active, and if that is the case, the planet could have temperatures during its night cycle that allow for water to condense on its surface.
The planet was spotted using data from NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, as well as the retired Spitzer Space Telescope, and several ground-based observatories.
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