The strange planet, named TOI-561 b, orbits the star system TOI-561. It is about 50% larger than Earth, but it takes half of its time to orbit its host star.

"The rocky planet orbiting TOI-561 is one of the oldest undiscovered rocky planets. Its existence suggests that the universe has formed rocky planets since its inception 14 billion ago. years, "said lead author of the study, Lauren Weiss.

Discovered by NASA’s TESS planet-hunting satellite, the TOI-561 b has an estimated average surface temperature of over 2,000 degrees Kelvin (3,140 degrees F), too hot for present life but it may be different in the past.

TOI-561 b is also surprising to researchers, who believe it has the same density as Earth, despite being billions of years older. TOI-561 b has at least two other orbiting planets, chemically different but without heavy elements, such as iron or magnesium.

As researchers explore more exoplanets, they continue to learn more about their masses and radii and find out if they are habitable.

"Although this particular planet is unlikely to have life today, it could be important information that shows that there are still many undiscovered rock worlds surrounding the galaxy’s oldest stars," scientists explain.

Previously, in May 2020, a super Earth described in the same size and orbit as Earth was discovered in deep space. In June 2020, a group of German astronomers discovered two other super-Earths just 11 light-years from Earth.

Another study published in October 2020 has also identified 24 planets that are likely to have conditions more suitable for life.

More than 4,500 exoplanets have been discovered by NASA, about 50 of which are believed to be potentially habitable. They have the right size and orbits for the host star to support water on the surface and at least theoretically support life.