Washington, US

Researchers have come across a new exoplanet TOI-6713.01 located approximately 66 light-years away from Earth, reports said citing a recent study published in The Astronomical Journal. This newly discovered exoplanet orbiting its parent star is a celestial marvel and what sets this exoplanet apart is its striking resemblance to Jupiter's moon, Io, known for its volcanic activity.

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This rocky world, about 30 percent larger than our own planet, is distinguished by its scorching surface temperature. The temperatures surpass even some stars at around 4220 degrees Fahrenheit.

Study author Stephen Kane from the University of California, Riverside, expressed his astonishment at the discovery. He said, "It was one of those discovery moments that you think, 'wow, it's amazing this can actually exist." 

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Comparing TOI-6713.01 to Jupiter's volcanic moon, Io, Kane described it as "Io on steroids" because of its constant volcanic eruptions. The planet's surface appears glowing and red-hot due to the volcanic activities. 

"It's been forced into a situation where it's constantly exploding with volcanoes. At optical wavelengths you would be able to see a glowing, red-hot planet with a molten lava surface," Kane added. 

Data gathered by TESS

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The discovery of TOI-6713.01 was made possible through data gathered by NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). It studied the planet's host star HD 104067. While this star was previously known to host one giant planet and a rocky world, the study revealed the existence of another rocky planet in its orbit.

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Researchers proposed that TOI-6713.01's volcanic activity may be driven by gravitational interactions with its parent body, similar to Io's relationship with Jupiter and its moons.

Notably, Jupiter's moon Io is volcanically active primarily due to tidal heating generated by its interactions with Jupiter and its neighbouring moons Europa and Ganymede.

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The gravitational pull from Jupiter and its moons causes Io to experience tidal forces, which flex and distort its interior. This constant flexing generates immense heat within Io's interior that leads to the melting of its rock and the formation of magma chambers.

This tidal heating effect, induced by gravitational forces, could explain the extreme volcanic behaviour observed on this new planet's surface.

(With inputs from agencies)