Scientists are getting higher at characterizing exoplanets, and that is resulting in some stunning discoveries. As Reuters reports, a DLR-led group has determined that the comparatively close by (31 light-years) planet GJ 367b is considerably smaller than Earth at 5,592 miles throughout, however is extra dense than Earth — it is about as dense as iron, and 86 p.c of the planet is produced from the metallic. The planet extra intently resembles Mercury than humanity’s homeworld.

GJ 367b actually is not liveable. It’s so near its host pink dwarf star that an orbit takes simply 7.7 hours, and the radiation is so intense that it might attain as much as 2,732 levels Fahrenheit. That’s sufficient to soften any metals and rocks, and positively would not permit for all times as we all know it. It’s secure to presume there will not be any colonization missions in consequence.

The evaluation by itself is notable, nevertheless. GJ 367b is the smallest planet ever characterised to this degree of element, and that would assist in the seek for extra liveable exoplanets, understanding planet formation and even gauging the factors for habitability. Those, in flip, might assist astronomers decide whether or not or not the comparatively life-friendly Solar System is as uncommon because it appears.