Earth-like Exoplanet LHS 1140b Confirmed to Have Atmosphere in Habitable Zone Scientists have confirmed the presence of an atmosphere around LHS 1140b, an Earth-like exoplanet located 49 light-years away in the constellation Cetus. This discovery marks the first time a rocky planet in the habitable zone of a star outside our solar system has been observed to possess an atmosphere, offering new insights into the potential for life beyond Earth. The findings, published in the journal Science, were made using data from the Magellan Clay telescope in Chile, where researchers analyzed the planet’s behavior as it passed in front of its host star. LHS 1140b, which orbits a small red dwarf star, has a mass 5.6 times that of Earth and a radius 70% larger. While it shares similarities with Earth in terms of composition and temperature, the planet is tidally locked, meaning one side perpetually faces its star, and it may possess significantly more water than our planet. The star, smaller and dimmer than the Sun, emits a higher proportion of ionizing radiation, which could pose challenges for sustaining life. However, the new study suggests the planet has the necessary conditions for a habitable environment: a rocky surface, a temperature range that could support liquid water, and an atmosphere that protects against harmful radiation. The atmosphere was detected through observations of helium escaping from the planet’s upper atmosphere into space. Data collected in 2024 revealed this helium signal, which the research team ruled out as contamination from Earth’s atmosphere. However, follow-up observations in 2025 showed no helium, prompting reanalysis of the initial findings. Dr.#dr_collin_cherubim #lhs_1140b #lhs_1140 #magellan_clay_telescope #dr_jayne_birkby
