Data from the James Webb Space Telescope reveals a new class of exoplanets—molten worlds with global magma oceans and toxic, sulfur-rich atmospheres. One example, L 98-59 d, appears to sustain its thick atmosphere through continuous volcanic degassing.

This discovery suggests that planets around red dwarf stars may follow a third evolutionary path, expanding our understanding of how diverse—and extreme—alien worlds can be.

Thank you for listening to Bedtime Astronomy — your guide to the cosmos. New episodes on space exploration, NASA missions & the latest astronomy breakthroughs.

This episode includes AI-generated content.