LHS 1140b: A Potential Habitable Exoplanet with Atmosphere

Scientists have identified LHS 1140b, the first known potentially habitable planet to host an atmosphere, making it a promising candidate in the search for life beyond our solar system.

The key features required for a planet to support life, as known to earthlings, include being rocky, having a suitable temperature for liquid water, and possessing an atmosphere. On Thursday, astronomers revealed they discovered a planet exhibiting all three characteristics.

Collin Cherubim, a Harvard University graduate and planetary scientist, emphasized, “We have absolutely no evidence for life on the planet, but all the essential ingredients seem to be present.”

LHS 1140b, located a few dozen light-years away, was first discovered in 2017. It is situated in the habitable zone of its star, allowing for the potential existence of liquid water. Although cooler than Earth, it surpasses Earth in size and mass. Recent data indicates a helium-rich atmosphere surrounding LHS 1140b, as reported in the journal Science. This marks the first clear evidence of possible habitability with an atmosphere, supporting the notion that there are other worlds akin to Earth capable of sustaining life.

“Finding one suggests there are more similar exoplanets,” remarked Sara Seager, an astrophysicist from M.I.T., who was not part of the research team. “Hopefully, this discovery marks the beginning of new explorations.”

An atmosphere plays a critical role in habitability. It assists in retaining water, regulating climate, and shielding from space radiation. Although atmospheres have been detected on giant gas planets, scientists have been uncertain about rocky planets, which are smaller and less easily detected, maintaining an atmosphere.