Earth-like LHS 1140b May Feature the First Atmosphere Found on Exoplanet

Astronomers report strong evidence that LHS 1140b, an Earth-like exoplanet forty-nine light-years away, may have an atmosphere — a significant finding if confirmed. Per Hackaday, the evidence comes from detecting helium occasionally escaping from the planet's upper atmosphere, suggesting a helium-rich layer depleted of hydrogen. The planet orbits a red dwarf star with less than half Earth's sunlight, though conditions could still support life. If confirmed, LHS 1140b would join a shortlist of candidate worlds for future study.

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