Magma Ocean on GJ 367b

This image describes the likely tectonic and geodynamics of the terrestrial exoplanet GJ 367b, assuming it is tidally locked to its star - in other words, one half permanently faces the star and the other is in eternal darkness. Scientists at Oxford University calculated mass and radius measurements which indicate that this planet very likely has no volatile gas envelope, and therefore its surface is directly exposed to the radiation from its star. In this configuration the dayside becomes so hot, that silicate rocks melt at the surface; while the nightside of the planet is exposed to space and remains cold. GJ 367b therefore likely hosts a dayside magma ocean, but the crustal composition of the planet and the opening angle of the magma ocean sensitively depend on the geologic history, and thus ultimately formation and tectonic evolution of the planet and star until the present day., by MARK GARLICK/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY