First atmosphere found on Earth-like planet in habitable zone of distant star
Astronomers have detected an atmosphere on LHS 1140 b, a rocky, Earth-like planet located in the habitable zone of a distant star. While the atmosphere currently shows signs of helium rather than life-sustaining gases, it marks a major milestone in the search for habitable worlds.
Why it matters
This is the first time an atmosphere has been confirmed on a rocky planet in a habitable zone, significantly advancing the search for extraterrestrial life.
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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