First atmosphere found on Earth-like planet in habitable zone of distant star
Astronomers have detected an atmosphere around 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, the discovery is a significant milestone in the search for extraterrestrial life.
Why it matters
Finding an atmosphere on a rocky planet in a habitable zone provides the strongest evidence yet that conditions suitable for life may exist elsewhere in the universe.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Pallab Ghosh Science Correspondent Melissa Weiss/Center for Astrophysics |Harvard & Smithsonian 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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