'Lava moon' discovered outside the Solar System

Astronomers found evidence of the existence of an unknown moon full of active volcanoes.

The lava moon orbits exoplanet WASP 49-b.(Graphic: UPI).

A moon with molten lava covering the surface may be lurking in the solar system WASP-49 , about 554 light-years from Earth, scientists from the Institute of Physics at the University of Bern, Switzerland announced on August 29. The team describes the new discovery as Io - the most powerful geological activity in the Solar System with over 400 volcanoes.

Although it has not been possible to directly observe the moon, astronomers have noticed a spike in sodium at an unusual height around the exoplanet WASP 49-b.Atomic sodium is often derived from volcanic eruptions, which is an indication of the existence of a "lava meteorite" orbiting WASP 49-b.

"Neutral sodium gas clouds are so far away from WASP 49-b, that they cannot be carried by the wind from the planet's surface , " astronomer Apurva Oza ruled out the possibility of sodium gas being generated by volcanic activity on the planet WASP 49-b. The team said it will continue to look for additional clues through space telescopes and ground-based observatories.