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"Wet lava ball" exoplanet may have an atmosphere, new evidence shows

Updated on: December 12, 2025 / 2:41 PM EST / CBS News

"Wet lava ball" exoplanet may have an atmosphere, new evidence shows

TL;DR

  • NASA researchers have gathered new evidence suggesting exoplanet TOI-561b may have an atmosphere.
  • TOI-561b is an ultra-hot, low-density super-Earth orbiting its star very closely, completing an orbit in about 11 hours.
  • James Webb Space Telescope data shows TOI-561b's dayside temperature is about 3,200 degrees Fahrenheit, cooler than the estimated 4,900 degrees Fahrenheit if it lacked an atmosphere.
  • Scientists propose a thick, volatile-rich atmosphere is needed to explain the observed temperature and other planetary features.
  • The exoplanet may have bright silicate clouds that reflect starlight, contributing to atmospheric cooling.
  • Researchers suspect an equilibrium between the planet's atmosphere and its magma ocean, where gases are released and reabsorbed.
  • Further study of data from the Webb telescope will aim to map TOI-561b's temperature and composition.