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
Researchers have found the first atmosphere surrounding an Earth-like, rocky planet orbiting within the habitable zone of a distant star.
The researchers say that their discovery provides the strongest evidence yet that worlds with conditions similar to Earth could exist beyond our solar system.
The gas detected in the atmosphere is helium, which would not be able to support life, but other gasses may also be present.
The lead author, Dr Collin Cherubim of Harvard University, described the discovery as "a big deal".
"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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