First atmosphere found around Earth-like planet LHS 1140b
Astronomers have detected an atmosphere around LHS 1140b, a rocky, Earth-like planet located in the habitable zone of a red dwarf star. While the atmosphere currently shows signs of helium, the discovery is a significant milestone in the search for life beyond our solar system.
Why it matters
This is a major breakthrough in exoplanetary science, providing the first evidence of an atmosphere on a potentially habitable rocky world.
Image source, Melissa Weiss/Center for Astrophysics |Harvard & Smithsonian Image caption, Artwork: The red tinge illustrates an atmosphere around a rocky planet orbting a red star
Scientific reporting based on peer-reviewed findings with no political or social agenda.
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