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Atmosphere On 'Earth-Like' Planet Detected for First Time
The detection suggests the planet has held onto a substantial atmosphere for more than 3 billion years, researchers said.
- 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 Find First Atmosphere on Earth-Like Rocky Planet LHS 1140b in Habitable Zone | 🔬 LatestLY
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. 🔬 Scientists Find First Atmosphere on Earth-Like Rocky Planet LHS 1140b in Habitable Zone.
·Mumbai, India
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Leaning Left21Leaning Right13Center20Last UpdatedBias Distribution39% Left
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39% Left
L 39%
C 37%
R 24%
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