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The term lava planet refers to a rocky planet on which the surface is molten rock (constituting a magma ocean). Planet temperatures vary sufficiently that lava planets must exist, such as right after planet formation, after sufficient inward planetary migration, or after an impact with a sizable body. In many cases, the lava would cool, leaving hard rock. Earth may have spent time as a lava planet right after formation, and/or right after Moon formation through an impact.