Newly Found Earth-Like Planet Could Instantly Incinerate Astronauts, Say Scientists
A newly found Earth-sized planet in a distant star system has drawn the attention of astronomers. But it’s the last place anyone would want to go. The planet, called TOI-2431 b, is in the Cetus constellation and is 117.4 light-years away. It has conditions so extreme that any astronaut who landed there would be burned alive right away.
TOI-2431 b: A Planet with a Deadly Orbit
The speed at which TOI-2431 b orbits its host star is scary. This planet makes a complete orbit in just 5.4 hours, which is much shorter than Earth’s 365-day journey. That means it’s one of the Earth-sized planets that goes around the sun the fastest. The planet’s surface temperature is 1,700°C (3,092°F), which is hot enough to melt rock and metal in a matter of seconds.
How Scientists Discovered Newly Found Earth Plant
Kaya Han Taş from the University of Amsterdam led an international team of astronomers who found the planet. They used NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) and other tools, such as speckle imaging and ground-based spectrographs.
Since 2018, TESS has been looking at space. It keeps an eye on more than 200,000 stars and looks for small drops in brightness that could mean a planet is passing by.
The Host Star’s Role in the Planet’s Fate
The star that hosts it is about two-thirds the size and mass of our Sun, but it’s much hotter. People think that it is pulling the planet closer through something called tidal decay.
Tidal decay causes the planet’s orbit to shrink slowly over time. Researchers say that TOI-2431 b could hit its star in 31 million years, which is a very short time in cosmic terms.
Why This Fiery World Still Matters
Despite its deadly surface, TOI-2431 b is a valuable subject for study. Astronomers are especially interested in ultra-short-period planets, and this one offers rare insights. It could help scientists learn how extreme planets form, evolve, and whether they retain atmospheres.
Next Steps: JWST to Explore Further
NASA wants to use the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to look at TOI-2431 b. If there are any, its advanced instruments may be able to find out more about the planet’s atmosphere and composition.
This newly discovered Earth is about the same size as ours, but its environment is very different and can’t support life. It is a harsh reminder that not all planets that look like Earth are safe or good for life.
