Atmosphere On 'Earth-Like' Planet Detected for First Time
The signal suggests a layered atmosphere that may still hold water and could help astronomers test whether rocky planets around red dwarfs can stay habitable.
- 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.
59 Articles
59 Articles
For the very first time, scientists have confirmed the presence of an atmosphere around a rocky exoplanet located in a living area.
Astronomers make landmark discovery on next-door ‘super-Earth’
Rocky planet LHS 1140b, just 49 light-years away, shows signs of an atmosphere and could have water reserves, a Harvard-led team says Astronomers have detected an atmosphere on a rocky planet within a potentially habitable zone outside the Solar System for the first time, according to a new report by a Harvard-led team of scientists....
Deep in space, researchers discover a planet that is similar to Earth in many ways. At LHS 1140b, for the first time, an atmosphere is discovered that is the essential basis for the emergence of life as it exists on Earth.
For the first time, there is evidence of an atmosphere in an Earth-like planet in the habitable zone. The question arises as to what this means for the search for extraterrestrial life.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 38% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
