Astronomers discover 1st atmosphere around a rocky Earth-like planet in the habitable zone
Astronomers have detected an atmosphere containing helium around LHS 1140 b, a rocky exoplanet located in its star's habitable zone. This discovery is a major milestone in the search for potentially life-supporting environments beyond our solar system.
Why it matters
Finding an atmosphere on a rocky, habitable-zone planet provides a crucial target for future astrobiological research and the search for extraterrestrial life.
Exoplanets Astronomers discover 1st atmosphere around a rocky Earth-like planet in the habitable zone News By Chelsea Gohd Published 16 July 2026 "It's in the habitable zone, which is super exciting for astrobiology and habitability and searching for life."
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