We've seen helium baked off a rocky exoplanet's atmosphere
Astronomers have observed helium escaping from the atmosphere of a rocky exoplanet orbiting the red dwarf star LHS 1140. This discovery helps scientists understand how planetary atmospheres evolve and lose lighter elements over time.
Why it matters
Studying atmospheric loss on exoplanets is crucial for determining the habitability of distant worlds and understanding the formation of planetary atmospheres.
Up in the air We’ve seen helium baked off a rocky exoplanet’s atmosphere If the large, rocky planet is losing helium, then we can infer what is left behind.
The content is purely scientific reporting based on astronomical observations.
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