Introducing Astronomy

Erupting volcanoes may cause exoplanet’s temperature extremes

Spitzer telescope observes fluctuations of more than 1,000 degrees

Illustration of exoplanet 55 Cancri e

The partially molten surface of 55 Cancri e (left, illustrated) might periodically be blanketed by volcanic dust (right), which could explain observed temperature swings of over 1,000 degrees Celsius.

By Christopher Crockett

- More than 2 years ago

Visitors to exoplanet 55 Cancri e should dress in layers; daytime temperatures can fluctuate by more than 1,000 degrees Celsius.