New potentially habitable exoplanet is similar in size and temperature to Earth

By Ashley Strickland, CNN

Updated 1836 GMT (0236 HKT) April 15, 2020

This artist's illustration shows the night-side view of the exoplanet WASP-76b, where iron rains down from the sky.
Photos: Weird and wonderful planets beyond our solar system
This artist's illustration shows the night-side view of the exoplanet WASP-76b, where iron rains down from the sky.
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After losing its gaseous envelope, the Earth-size core of an exoplanet formed a second atmosphere. It's a toxic blend of hydrogen, methane, and hydrogen cyanide that is likely fueled by volcanic activity occurring beneath a thin crust, leading to its cracked appearance.
Photos: Weird and wonderful planets beyond our solar system
After losing its gaseous envelope, the Earth-size core of an exoplanet formed a second atmosphere. It's a toxic blend of hydrogen, methane, and hydrogen cyanide that is likely fueled by volcanic activity occurring beneath a thin crust, leading to its cracked appearance.