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Atmosphere On 'Earth-Like' Planet Detected for First Time
The helium signal varied between 2024 and 2025, and researchers say the planet may still hold a layered atmosphere in its habitable zone.
- On Thursday, July 16, 2026, astronomers published a study in Science confirming the first detection of an atmosphere on a rocky exoplanet named LHS 1140 b, which orbits within its star's habitable zone.
- Despite the violent reputations of M dwarf stars, which often strip atmospheres from planets, this 'super-Earth' located 49 light-years away has retained a helium-dominated atmosphere for more than 3 billion years.
- Lead author Collin Cherubim of Harvard University predicted the helium signature using a computer model, which the team validated by observing the planet with Magellan Telescopes in Chile.
- The detection positions LHS 1140 b as a potential 'helium world' with liquid water, though Cherubim cautioned the atmosphere is likely very different from Earth's.
- This milestone provides the strongest evidence yet that rocky, habitable-zone worlds can maintain protective atmospheres, offering a critical new target for astrobiology and the search for life.
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Scientists detected for the first time an atmosphere on a rocky planet located in a living area 48 light years from Earth. The finding strengthens the search for worlds with conditions to harbor life.
Astronomers have detected an atmosphere for the first time on a rocky exoplanet located in its star's "habitable zone".
·Istanbul, Türkiye
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Scientists confirm atmosphere on potentially habitable planet 49 light-years from Earth
Researchers have confirmed an atmosphere around the rocky exoplanet LHS 1140b, making it one of the strongest candidates yet, in the search for potentially habitable worlds beyond our solar system.
·Noida, India
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Total News Sources82
Leaning Left18Leaning Right12Center18Last UpdatedBias Distribution38% Left, 37% Center
Bias Distribution
- 38% of the sources lean Left, 37% of the sources are Center
38% Left
L 38%
C 37%
R 25%
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