Earth-sized alien planet LP 791-18 d believed to be gripped by widespread volcanism

Astronomers discovered and studied the planet using data from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope and TESS. (Reuters: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center/Chris Smith (KRBwyle))

An Earth-sized planet orbiting a dim star in our galactic neighbourhood is offering some of the best evidence to date of volcanism beyond our solar system, with observations suggesting a rugged and rocky world tormented by constant eruptions.

Scientists said on Wednesday the planet called LP 791-18 d — the third planet detected orbiting this particular star — is likely covered with volcanoes similar to Jupiter's moon Io, the most volcanically active body in our solar system.