Astronomers discover rocky super-Earth HD 3167 b

Astronomers have identified a rocky super-Earth, designated HD 3167 b, located 154 light-years away in the Pisces constellation. Described as a “lava world,” the planet orbits a K-type star and completes a full orbit in just one Earth day. Despite its extreme heat and proximity to its star, researchers suggest the planet may possess an atmosphere, a finding that challenges existing models regarding how close-orbiting rocky planets retain gas envelopes under intense stellar wind.

Parallel research into planetary habitability suggests that the evolution of life on nearby exoplanets may be slower than previously anticipated. A study published in the International Journal of Astrobiology proposes that the age of a planet is not the sole indicator of biological advancement. Instead, factors such as light conditions, temperature, and the capacity to sustain photosynthesis are critical. Researchers suggest many potentially habitable worlds might still be in a biological “pre-history” stage, potentially explaining the Fermi paradox by limiting the number of technologically advanced civilizations in the galaxy.