Astronomers Discover Atmosphere on Potentially Habitable Exoplanet A team of astronomers has made a groundbreaking discovery by identifying an atmosphere on LHS 1140b, a rocky exoplanet located approximately 30 to 40 light-years from Earth. This finding marks the first time a potentially habitable world has been confirmed to possess an atmosphere, offering new hope in the search for extraterrestrial life. The planet, which orbits a star within the habitable zone—a region where liquid water could theoretically exist on its surface—was first detected in 2017. Now, new data suggests it has a helium-rich atmosphere, a critical factor in determining its potential to support life. LHS 1140b is classified as a super-Earth, meaning it is larger and more massive than Earth but still rocky. Its location in the habitable zone, combined with its size, makes it a compelling candidate for further study. The planet’s temperature is cooler than Earth’s, which could allow for the presence of liquid water, a key ingredient for life as humans understand it. However, its larger size and greater mass raise questions about its atmospheric retention capabilities. The recent detection of an atmosphere challenges previous assumptions that smaller rocky planets might struggle to maintain such conditions. The discovery was published in the journal Science and represents a significant milestone in exoplanet research. Scientists have long theorized that rocky worlds could possess atmospheres, but direct evidence has been scarce. This study provides the first clear confirmation of an atmosphere on a potentially habitable exoplanet, reinforcing the idea that Earth-like planets may be more common in the universe than previously thought. Collin Cherubim, a planetary scientist and recent Harvard Ph.D.#harvard #mit #science_journal #lhs_1140b #collin_cherubim
Harvard Alum Temi Fagbenle ’15 Embraces New Chapter with the WNBA’s Toronto Tempo Temi Fagbenle ’15, a Harvard alum and WNBA star, has signed with the Toronto Tempo, one of the league’s newest expansion teams. The move marks her fifth season in the WNBA and her first with a Canadian-based franchise. Fagbenle, who has spent over a decade in professional basketball, described the opportunity as a chance to contribute to a team’s growth while continuing to evolve as a player. Fagbenle’s journey to the WNBA began with a standout collegiate career at Harvard, where she was a two-time All-Ivy League selection and a key contributor to the team’s success. After graduating in 2015, she transferred to the University of Southern California for her final season, a decision that proved pivotal in her professional development. Since 2016, she has played internationally, winning national championships in Spain, Italy, and Great Britain, as well as the 2024 EuroCup title with the London Lions. She also represented Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics, where she averaged 4.8 points, 4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game despite her team’s 0-5 record in group play. Fagbenle’s WNBA career began in 2017 with the Minnesota Lynx, where she won a championship as a rookie. She returned to the league in 2024 with the Indiana Fever, averaging 9.1 points and 5.6 rebounds in her first month before injuries limited her to just 22 games. Her path to the Toronto Tempo, however, has been anything but linear. Over the years, she has navigated multiple leagues, countries, and roles, building a reputation as a versatile forward with a team-first mindset. “Success isn’t defined by a single moment or milestone,” Fagbenle said. “It’s about a mindset shaped over years of experience.#harvard #wnba #university_of_southern_california #toronto_tempo #temi_fagbenle
Ivy League Tournament Set for March 14 with Yale as Top Seed The ninth edition of the Ivy League Tournament is set to begin on Saturday, March 14, at Newman Arena in Ithaca, New York, hosted by Cornell University. The two-day event will feature semifinal matchups between No. 1 Yale and No. 4 host Cornell, as well as No. 2 Harvard versus No. 4 Penn. The tournament champion will earn an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament, following the same format as previous years. Yale, with a 23-5 overall record and an 11-3 mark in conference play, enters as the clear favorite to win the tournament. The Bulldogs are aiming for a three-peat as Ivy League champions and their fourth title in five years. Harvard, the No. 2 seed, seeks its first conference tournament title in program history, while Cornell, hosting for the first time, hopes to capitalize on the home-court advantage. Penn, which won the 2018 Ivy League Tournament, also aims to reclaim the title, though Cornell has never claimed the league championship. The semifinal games will be broadcast on ESPNEWS, with the championship game airing on ESPN2. Fans can stream the action via the ESPN app with a cable login or through Fubo, which offers a free trial. Odds for the tournament, as of March 10, highlight Yale’s dominance, though Harvard and Cornell remain strong contenders. A key storyline involves Cornell’s recent performance against Yale. In a February 27 matchup at Newman Arena, the Big Red stunned the Bulldogs with a 72-69 victory, thanks to a game-winning 3-pointer by Jake Fiegen with four seconds remaining. This history sets the stage for a potential rematch in the tournament, as Cornell looks to extend its season and challenge Yale’s dominance.#ivy_league_tournament #yale #cornell_university #harvard #penn
