LHS 1140b circles inside the habitable zone of its red dwarf star roughly 49 light-years from Earth. Astronomers have identified an atmosphere surrounding this rocky world, providing the strongest indication so far that a potentially habitable exoplanet can hold onto such a layer. The planet sits in the region around its star where temperatures might permit liquid water on the surface. Researchers note there is still no sign of life, yet the findings indicate the world has several conditions viewed as important for habitability. Reported in the journal Science on July 16, the results mark the first confirmed atmosphere on a rocky planet seen as potentially able to support life.
