Astronomers Uncover Evidence of Volcanic Exomoon Around WASP-49b

A sodium cloud detected near the exoplanet suggests the presence of a volcanic moon, marking a potential first beyond our Solar System.

Researchers observed a sodium cloud moving independently of the gas giant WASP-49b, hinting at a volcanic exomoon.
The sodium cloud's behavior, including its irregular appearance and rapid movement, aligns with the presence of a separate orbiting body.
Using computer models, scientists propose that a moon with an eight-hour orbit around WASP-49b could account for the observed phenomena.
The exomoon's volcanic activity is compared to Jupiter's moon Io, with sodium emissions reaching 100,000 kg per second.
If confirmed, this discovery could indicate that volcanic moons are more common in the universe than previously thought.