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

3 hours ago

First atmosphere detected on an Earth-like rocky planet (LHS 1140 b) in the habitable zone of a distant star.
Discovery provides strongest evidence yet that Earth-like conditions could exist beyond our solar system.
Atmosphere contains helium, which cannot support life, but other life-sustaining gases may be present.
Planet orbits a red dwarf star 48 light-years from Earth and is in the 'Goldilocks zone' for potential liquid water.
Finding brings scientists closer to discovering extraterrestrial life, though no life has been confirmed.
Other exoplanets like K2-18b and TRAPPIST-1 worlds are also studied, but atmospheres remain unconfirmed or Earth-like conditions unclear.

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