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

Researchers have found the first atmosphere surrounding an Earth-like rocky planet orbiting within the habitable zone of a distant star, according to a study published in the journal Science. The discovery provides the strongest evidence yet that worlds with conditions similar to Earth could exist beyond our solar system, researchers said. The planet, called LHS 1140 b, is 48 light-years from Earth orbiting a red star much smaller and cooler than the Sun. The gas detected in the atmosphere is helium, which would not be able to support life, but other gases may also be present. Lead author Dr Collin Cherubim of Harvard University described the discovery as a big deal, noting it is the first time anyone has found an atmosphere on a rocky planet in the habitable zone of another star. Dr David Charbonneau, also from Harvard, said the study reveals the first atmosphere discovered on a rocky planet in the habitable zone of a star outside our solar system. More than 6,000 worlds have been discovered orbiting distant stars, but none of the small rocky planets in habitable zones had been found to have an atmosphere until now. Researchers are clear they have not discovered life.