Astronomers have made a remarkable discovery by identifying a new class of planets, which they have referred to as 'hellish' due to their unique characteristics. This new type is associated with the exoplanet L 98-59d, which is entirely covered by oceans of lava. The atmosphere of this planet has scorching temperatures reaching up to 1,500 degrees Celsius, according to reports from The Times.

Furthermore, the atmosphere is rich in sulfur, which likely gives it a pungent odor similar to that of rotten eggs. Researchers noted that L 98-59d is approximately 1.6 times larger than Earth, although it possesses a surprisingly low density for its size, indicating a significant quantity of hydrogen sulfide in its atmosphere. Until this discovery, astronomers would have categorized such a planet into one of two conventional groups: either as a rocky gas giant with a hydrogen atmosphere or as a water-rich world consisting of deep oceans and ice.

This finding challenges previous notions regarding planetary classification and raises intriguing questions about the diversity of planetary systems. It also points to the possibility that planets with extreme conditions may be more common than previously thought, influencing our understanding of the formation and evolution of planets in the universe.