Helium escaping from the super-Earth LHS 1140 b was detected, providing evidence that a rocky planet in another star's habitable zone has retained an atmosphere for billions of years.

LHS 1140 b

Who

Astronomers

What

When

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT · 15h 55m ago

Where

LHS 1140 b ·

Why

Detection of helium escaping indicates the planet has retained an atmosphere over billions of years.

The Frontline Impact

How this affects you

This discovery marks the first time an atmosphere has been detected around an Earth-like planet within a star's habitable zone, suggesting potential for habitability.

Story chain

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Verified Sources & Citations

Live Science
https://www.livescience.com/space/exoplanets/its-absolutely-exciting-astronomers-discover-an-atmosphere-around-an-earth-like-planet-in-the-habitable-zone-for-first-time-ever
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