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
First Atmosphere Detected on Earth-Like Planet in Habitable Zone of Distant Star Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery by identifying the first atmosphere surrounding an Earth-like, rocky planet located within the habitable zone of a distant star. This finding marks a significant step forward in the search for extraterrestrial life, as it provides the strongest evidence yet that planets with conditions similar to Earth could exist beyond our solar system. The planet, named LHS 1140 b, orbits a red star that is smaller and cooler than our Sun, and lies approximately 48 light-years from Earth. The atmosphere detected around LHS 1140 b contains helium, a gas that, on its own, cannot support life. However, scientists suggest that other gases may also be present in the planet’s atmosphere, potentially including elements essential for sustaining life. Dr. Collin Cherubim, the lead author of the study and a researcher at Harvard University, emphasized the importance of the discovery, calling it “a big deal.” He noted that this is the first time an atmosphere has been found on a rocky planet in the habitable zone of another star. The significance of this discovery lies in its implications for the search for life beyond Earth. While over 6,000 exoplanets have been identified orbiting distant stars, none have previously been confirmed to possess an atmosphere. This breakthrough brings scientists closer to answering one of the most profound questions in science: whether life exists beyond our solar system. However, the researchers stress that the discovery does not yet confirm the presence of life. For a planet to support life, it must have water and exist at the right distance from its star—neither too close nor too far, a concept planetary scientists refer to as the “Goldilocks zone.#harvard_university #science_journal #lhs_1140_b #dr_collin_cherubim #dr_david_charbonneau
Ancient 19-Metre Octopus May Have Dominated Prehistoric Oceans A groundbreaking study reveals that colossal octopuses, potentially reaching lengths of 19 metres, may have ruled the ancient oceans 100 million years ago, during the time of the dinosaurs. Researchers from Hokkaido University in Japan have analyzed remarkably well-preserved fossilized jaws, suggesting these creatures were among the largest invertebrates ever to exist. The findings challenge long-held assumptions that vertebrates like fish and reptiles were the dominant predators in prehistoric seas, redefining the role of invertebrates in ancient marine ecosystems. The study focuses on the discovery of fossilized jaws, which indicate the presence of a species with immense size and predatory capabilities. Scientists estimate that these ancient octopuses could have measured between 1.5 to 4.5 metres in body length, with their long arms adding up to a total length of 7 to 19 metres. Even at the lower end of this range, the creatures would have been vastly larger than any modern octopus species. The Giant Pacific Octopus, the largest living species today, has an arm span of over 5.5 metres, making the ancient giants significantly more formidable. The analysis of the fossilized jaws also provides intriguing insights into the behavior and physiology of these ancient predators. The uneven wear patterns on the jaws, which are more pronounced on one side, suggest that these octopuses may have exhibited a preference for using one side of their body during feeding. This handedness, a trait observed in some modern octopuses, is linked to advanced brain function and problem-solving abilities.#hokkaido_university #university_of_bath #university_of_zurich #science_journal #ammonites
