Astronomers studying data from NASA discovered an unusual exoplanet that may be made mostly of iron.
The planet, GJ 367 b, is located about 31 light-years away from Earth. Scientists believe it has an extremely dense structure — similar to the iron core of a planet, but making up most of the entire world.
This discovery was made using NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, which searches for planets orbiting distant stars.
What makes this planet special?
• It’s about 80–90% iron
• Much denser than Earth
• Orbits its star in just 8 hours
Scientists think it may be the exposed core of a planet that lost its outer layers after intense radiation from its nearby star.
In other words, this world could be what remains after a planet was stripped down to its metallic heart.
NASA Found a Planet That’s Mostly Made of Iron
