A planet 48 light-years away has 3 key ingredients scientists seek: Rock, an atmosphere and the right tem

Scientists have detected an atmosphere around LHS 1140b, a rocky planet approximately 48–49 light-years from Earth, marking the first observationally confirmed atmosphere on a rocky exoplanet in the habitable zone. The discovery, confirmed through observations, indicates the planet could potentially support liquid water on its surface, making it among the most promising nearby worlds for studying potential habitability and extraterrestrial life.

The finding represents a significant milestone in exoplanet research, as previous atmospheric detections on rocky planets outside the Solar System lacked confirmation or fell outside the habitable zone where conditions could support life as understood on Earth.