Astronomers find the first atmosphere on a rocky world in the habitable zone
Astronomers have detected an atmosphere on LHS 1140 b, a rocky exoplanet located in the habitable zone of a red dwarf star. This discovery marks a significant milestone in the search for potentially life-supporting environments beyond our solar system.
Why it matters
Confirming the presence of an atmosphere on a rocky, Earth-like planet is a critical prerequisite for identifying extraterrestrial life.
Astronomers have reached a major turning point in the search for life beyond Earth by detecting an atmosphere around a rocky, Earth-like planet located in another star's habitable zone.
The discovery offers the strongest evidence so far that planets with broadly Earth-like temperatures and rocky compositions may exist beyond our solar system while also retaining conditions that could potentially support life.
"An atmosphere is essential for a planet to support life as we know it," said lead author Collin Cherubim, who recently earned his Ph.D. in Earth and Planetary Sciences from Harvard University.
"This is the first time anyone has found an atmosphere on a rocky planet in the habitable zone of another star."
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