Astronomers have gathered tentative evidence of a sulphur-rich atmosphere on L 98-59 d, a super-Earth exoplanet 35 light years away, which could be the smallest exoplanet known to have an atmosphere.

Using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), scientists detected potential signs of sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) in the planet’s atmosphere, suggesting a molten or volcanic surface.

L 98-59 d, discovered by NASA’s TESS in 2019, orbits its star closely, with one year lasting just 7.5 Earth days, Space.com has reported.

These findings could provide insight into unique planetary conditions, though further observations are needed to confirm the results.

Written by B.C. Begley