First Atmosphere Found on Earth-like Planet LHS 1140b in Habitable Zone

First atmosphere found on Earth-like planet in habitable zone of distant star

Researchers have detected the first atmosphere around LHS 1140b, a rocky planet orbiting within the habitable zone of a distant red star. While the identified gas is helium and cannot support life, this discovery marks a crucial step toward finding worlds with conditions similar to Earth. It brings us closer to answering the big question of whether we are alone in the universe.

"This is the first time anyone has found an atmosphere on a rocky planet in the habitable zone of another star."