(Image by Julie Roussy, McGill Graphic Design and Getty Images.)
Life on Earth may be super crazy in 2020, but at least we are not living on the fiery hell of planet K2-141b!
Scientists have determined that this Earth-size exoplanet “rains rocks” and its oceans are made of lava.
The discovery of the planet was made by scientists at McGill University, York University and the Indian Institute of Science Education. According to their research, the lava oceans are more than 60 miles (100 km) deep and supersonic winds rage at over 3,100 miles per hour (5,000 km/hr).
The surface, ocean and atmosphere of the planet are all made of the same ingredients: rocks. The scientists compared the planet’s rock vapor atmosphere to the Earth’s water cycle, except with rocks. Under extreme heat, the rocks evaporate, rise into the atmosphere, condense and fall back as rocks.
One part of the planet reaches temperatures of over 5,400 degrees Fahrenheit. Two-thirds of the planet is subjected to endless daylight.
While it might not be the most hospitable place to set our sights, scientists believe that observing K2-141b could help explain Earth’s past.
“All rocky planets, including Earth, started off as molten worlds but then rapidly cooled and solidified. Lava planets give us a rare glimpse at this stage of planetary evolution,” said Nicolas Cowan, who co-authored a study on the planet.