The Search for Another Earth-Like Planet Just Took a Big Step Forward

Scientists found strong evidence that LHS 1140 b, a rocky exoplanet 48 light-years away, has retained an atmosphere for at least 3 billion years.

Helium escaping from the planet suggests it still has an atmosphere, making it the first confirmed rocky habitable-zone world with such evidence.

The result is the strongest sign yet that a potentially habitable exoplanet can keep an atmosphere, a key factor for life.