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James Webb Telescope reveals rocky exoplanet ‘very close’ to Earth: The exoplanet LHS 3844 b has a dark, arid, and airless surface, with temperatures of up to 725 °C and is 48 light-years from Earth

Written by Ruth Rodrigues
Published on 06/05/2026 at 07:23
Updated on 06/05/2026 at 07:24
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The results were obtained using the MIRI instrument of the James Webb Space Telescope, which allowed for capturing the infrared radiation emitted directly from the exoplanet’s surface.

According to researcher Laura Kreidberg: “We see a dark, hot, and arid rock, devoid of any atmosphere.”

These measurements were combined with previous data from the Spitzer telescope, reinforcing the conclusions about the exoplanet’s characteristics.

Exoplanet LHS 3844 b and the influence of synchronized rotation

The exoplanet’s thermal pattern is linked to its synchronized rotation. As one hemisphere constantly faces the star, this region receives continuous heat.

This creates an intense contrast with the opposite side, which remains without direct illumination. Without an atmosphere, there is no heat redistribution, making the environment even more extreme. This factor directly influences the structure and behavior of the surface.

Telescope reveals rocky exoplanet without atmosphere 48 light-years from Earth with a temperature of 725 °C. James Webb telescope data reveals a rocky and geologically inactive world just 48.5 light-years from Earth.
Telescope reveals rocky exoplanet without atmosphere 48 light-years from Earth with a temperature of 725 °C. James Webb telescope data reveals a rocky and geologically inactive world just 48.5 light-years from Earth. Source: MIT.

Surface composition points to dark rocks

The data indicates that the exoplanet’s surface is dominated by dark materials, similar to basalt. This type of rock is rich in iron and magnesium and is also present on the Moon and in Earth’s interior.

Among the main identified elements are:

  • Predominance of dark rocks
  • Presence of minerals such as iron and magnesium
  • Absence of light materials, such as fine dust
  • Indications of a solid or fragmented surface

This composition differs from Earth’s crust, which has a greater diversity of light-colored rocks.

Exoplanet LHS 3844 b does not follow Earth’s patterns

The absence of water and atmosphere prevents geological processes common on our planet. Without these elements, there is no formation of tectonic plates like those on Earth.

According to researcher Sebastian Zieba, this type of dynamic “This indicates that Earth-like plate tectonics does not apply to this exoplanet, or is ineffective.”

This explains why there are no signs of a silicate-rich crust, such as granite. This scenario points to a distinct geological evolution, without constant surface renewal.

Before reaching the most probable conclusion, researchers considered two hypotheses to explain the exoplanet’s appearance:

  1. Surface formed by recent volcanic activity
  1. Ancient crust modified over time by erosion

The absence of signs of volcanic gases favors the second option, indicating an exoplanet with a long history of exposure to the space environment.

Telescópio revela exoplaneta rochoso sem atmosfera a 48 anos-luz da Terra com temperatura de 725 °C. Dados do telescópio James Webb revelam um mundo rochoso e geologicamente inativo a apenas 48,5 anos-luz da Terra.
Telescope reveals rocky exoplanet without atmosphere 48 light-years from Earth with a temperature of 725 °C. Data from the James Webb telescope reveal a rocky and geologically inactive world just 48.5 light-years from Earth. Photo: NASA

The exoplanet LHS 3844 b is considered an important example for understanding the diversity of rocky worlds in the universe.

Its combination of extreme heat, absence of atmosphere, and specific composition offers a unique scenario for study.

Furthermore, new observations have already been carried out to analyze how the surface reflects light at different angles, which may reveal even more details about its structure.

Source: Olhar Digital

Telescope reveals rocky exoplanet without atmosphere 48 light-years from Earth with a temperature of 725 °C. James Webb telescope data reveals a rocky and geologically inactive world just 48.5 light-years from Earth.

Located in the constellation of Indus, about 48.5 light-years from Earth, exoplanet LHS 3844 b has drawn the attention of scientists due to its unusual characteristics, as reported by Olhar Digital.

Observations indicate that its surface is dark, arid, and practically without an atmosphere, offering new clues about the formation of rocky worlds outside the Solar System.

Furthermore, this exoplanet completes an orbit around its star in just 11 hours and exhibits synchronized rotation, always keeping the same hemisphere facing the light.

As a consequence, the illuminated side reaches temperatures close to 725 °C, creating an extremely hostile environment.

Exoplanet LHS 3844 b may be geologically inactive

Data analysis led scientists to consider that the exoplanet may not exhibit recent geological activity.

The absence of sulfur dioxide (SO₂), usually associated with volcanism, indicates that eruptions are not currently occurring.

Given this, the most probable hypothesis is that the surface is ancient and covered by regolith — material formed over billions of years by impacts and erosion. This scenario suggests a stable environment, but without significant geological renewal.

The results were obtained using the MIRI instrument of the James Webb Space Telescope, which allowed for capturing the infrared radiation emitted directly from the exoplanet’s surface.

According to researcher Laura Kreidberg: “We see a dark, hot, and arid rock, devoid of any atmosphere.”

These measurements were combined with previous data from the Spitzer telescope, reinforcing the conclusions about the exoplanet’s characteristics.

Exoplanet LHS 3844 b and the influence of synchronized rotation

The exoplanet’s thermal pattern is linked to its synchronized rotation. As one hemisphere constantly faces the star, this region receives continuous heat.

This creates an intense contrast with the opposite side, which remains without direct illumination. Without an atmosphere, there is no heat redistribution, making the environment even more extreme. This factor directly influences the structure and behavior of the surface.

Telescope reveals rocky exoplanet without atmosphere 48 light-years from Earth with a temperature of 725 °C. James Webb telescope data reveals a rocky and geologically inactive world just 48.5 light-years from Earth.
Telescope reveals rocky exoplanet without atmosphere 48 light-years from Earth with a temperature of 725 °C. James Webb telescope data reveals a rocky and geologically inactive world just 48.5 light-years from Earth. Source: MIT.

Surface composition points to dark rocks

The data indicates that the exoplanet’s surface is dominated by dark materials, similar to basalt. This type of rock is rich in iron and magnesium and is also present on the Moon and in Earth’s interior.

Among the main identified elements are:

  • Predominance of dark rocks
  • Presence of minerals such as iron and magnesium
  • Absence of light materials, such as fine dust
  • Indications of a solid or fragmented surface

This composition differs from Earth’s crust, which has a greater diversity of light-colored rocks.

Exoplanet LHS 3844 b does not follow Earth’s patterns

The absence of water and atmosphere prevents geological processes common on our planet. Without these elements, there is no formation of tectonic plates like those on Earth.

According to researcher Sebastian Zieba, this type of dynamic “This indicates that Earth-like plate tectonics does not apply to this exoplanet, or is ineffective.”

This explains why there are no signs of a silicate-rich crust, such as granite. This scenario points to a distinct geological evolution, without constant surface renewal.

Before reaching the most probable conclusion, researchers considered two hypotheses to explain the exoplanet’s appearance:

  1. Surface formed by recent volcanic activity
  1. Ancient crust modified over time by erosion

The absence of signs of volcanic gases favors the second option, indicating an exoplanet with a long history of exposure to the space environment.

Telescópio revela exoplaneta rochoso sem atmosfera a 48 anos-luz da Terra com temperatura de 725 °C. Dados do telescópio James Webb revelam um mundo rochoso e geologicamente inativo a apenas 48,5 anos-luz da Terra.
Telescope reveals rocky exoplanet without atmosphere 48 light-years from Earth with a temperature of 725 °C. Data from the James Webb telescope reveal a rocky and geologically inactive world just 48.5 light-years from Earth. Photo: NASA

The exoplanet LHS 3844 b is considered an important example for understanding the diversity of rocky worlds in the universe.

Its combination of extreme heat, absence of atmosphere, and specific composition offers a unique scenario for study.

Furthermore, new observations have already been carried out to analyze how the surface reflects light at different angles, which may reveal even more details about its structure.

Source: Olhar Digital

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Ruth Rodrigues

Graduated in Biological Sciences from the State University of Rio Grande do Norte (UERN), she works as a writer and science communicator.

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