Scientists discover first atmosphere on Earth-like planet in habitable zone

Astronomers have announced the groundbreaking discovery of the first confirmed atmosphere on an Earth-like, rocky exoplanet situated within its star's habitable zone. The planet, named LHS 1140 b, orbits a red dwarf star approximately 48 light-years away from Earth. This significant finding suggests that rocky planets in temperate zones can retain atmospheres over billions of years, a crucial factor for the potential development of life.

The research team, led by Harvard University's Collin Cherubim, detected a helium-dominated atmosphere around LHS 1140 b using the WINERED spectrograph on the Magellan Clay telescope in Chile. Observing helium escaping from the planet's atmosphere provided direct evidence of its existence. LHS 1140 b is characterized as a "super-Earth," with about 1.7 times Earth's radius and 5.6 times its mass, and its density hints at the presence of substantial water.

Published in the journal *Science*, this discovery marks a major advancement in the quest to identify potentially habitable worlds beyond our solar system. While no evidence of life has been found, the presence of an atmosphere on a rocky planet within the habitable zone places LHS 1140 b at the forefront for future astrobiological studies and the ongoing search for extraterrestrial life.