Lava Worlds

Some planets can hold onto residual heat for billions of years sustained by radioactive material and tidal forces.

Some planets can hold onto residual heat for billions of years sustained by radioactive material and tidal forces.

Planets can be molten during formation and subsequent bombardment.

Planets can be molten during formation and subsequent bombardment.

A close, hot star can liquify the inner side of a tidally locked planet.

A close, hot star can liquify the inner side of a tidally locked planet.