Helium-Rich Atmosphere Found on Rocky Exoplanet LHS 1140b in Nearby Habitable Zone

Astronomers have detected an atmosphere around the rocky exoplanet LHS 1140b, a world orbiting in the habitable zone of a red dwarf star about 49 light-years away. Science News reported that the atmosphere is rich in helium and the planet likely has a rocky surface, marking a first for a rocky planet in a habitable zone.

Science NewsAstronomers detect helium atmosphere around rocky exoplanet LHS 1140b in habitable zone

"Astronomers have detected an atmosphere around LHS 1140b, a rocky exoplanet orbiting in the habitable zone of a nearby star, a first for this type of planet." The discovery is significant because rocky planets with atmospheres in the habitable zone are considered prime targets in the search for signs of life beyond our solar system.

"It's the first potentially habitable world known to host an atmosphere, making it a lead contender in the search for life beyond our solar system." The detection of an atmosphere on LHS 1140b adds a promising candidate to the list of worlds that could sustain biological activity.

NYTAstronomers Find an Atmosphere on a Nearby Earthlike Planet

Afsdp.org.pe also highlighted the finding, noting that it is the first potentially habitable world confirmed to have an atmosphere. The planet's helium-rich envelope and rocky surface, as noted by Science News, provide a combination that researchers have long sought when assessing exoplanet habitability. The planet orbits its star once every 25 days, placing it squarely in the temperate zone where liquid water could exist.

afsdp.org.peAstronomers Find an Atmosphere on a Nearby Earthlike Planet