Smallest Exoplanet with Potential Sulfur-Rich Atmosphere Discovered

AI-generated NewsSnap summary based on source reporting.
Published: 2026-10-13
Category: science
Source: New Space Economy (citing research)

Tentative evidence suggests the exoplanet L 98-59 d, a super-Earth 1.5 times the size of Earth located 35 light-years away, possesses a sulfur-rich atmosphere. The potential presence of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) hints at a molten or volcanic surface. If confirmed by future James Webb Space Telescope observations, this would make L 98-59 d the smallest known exoplanet with an atmosphere.

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