Archive · 20 Jul 2026
Atmosphere Found on Earth-Like Exoplanet
Scientists have found an atmosphere around a planet called LHS 1140b, which is 49 light years away.
This planet is similar to Earth in some ways, like its size and temperature, but it's also different because it's tidally locked and might have a lot more water.
The planet was discovered in 2017 and orbits a small red dwarf star.
The atmosphere is important because it can help keep water on the planet's surface and protect it from harmful radiation.
This makes LHS 1140b a really exciting place to study for signs of life beyond our solar system.
Scientists have discovered an atmosphere around the Earth-like exoplanet LHS 1140b, located 49 light years away.
LHS 1140b has a mass 5.6 times that of Earth and a radius 70% larger.
The planet is in the habitable zone of its star, where liquid water could exist on its surface.
This is the first observationally confirmed atmosphere on a rocky planet in the habitable zone outside our solar system.
The planet is tidally locked and orbits a small red dwarf star in the constellation of Cetus.
- Who
- Scientists led by Dr. Collin Cherubim
- What
- Discovered an atmosphere around the Earth-like exoplanet LHS 1140b
- When
- The planet was discovered in 2017, and the atmosphere was recently confirmed
- Where
- The planet is located 49 light years away in the constellation of Cetus
- Why
- The discovery is significant because it is the first observationally confirmed atmosphere on a rocky planet in the habitable zone outside our solar system
Optimistic View
Cautious View
Habitability
Optimistic View
The planet has all the necessary ingredients for a habitable environment, including an atmosphere that can support liquid water and protect from harmful radiation.
Cautious View
While the planet has an atmosphere, its tidally locked nature and potential differences in atmospheric composition may affect its habitability.
- Planet Name
- LHS 1140b
- Distance from Earth
- 49 light years
- Mass
- 5.6 times that of Earth
- Radius
- 70% larger than Earth
- Discovery Year
- 2017
- Star Type
- Small red dwarf
- Constellation
- Cetus, the sea monster