Scientists say they have found encouraging evidence that LHS 1140b, a so-called super-Earth orbiting a star about 49 light-years from Earth, could have an atmosphere. The finding is notable because an atmosphere is considered an important part of what can make a planet more favorable for life.
The planet has drawn attention as researchers look for worlds beyond the solar system that may be capable of supporting life-related conditions. Detecting signs of an atmosphere does not prove that the planet is habitable, but it does make LHS 1140b a more intriguing target for further study.
A possible atmosphere can help regulate temperature and shape the planet's environment, which is why scientists focus on it when evaluating potentially life-friendly worlds. In this case, the new signs suggest LHS 1140b may be more than just a rocky planet orbiting a distant star.
Researchers will likely need more observations to confirm what surrounds the planet and how suitable its conditions really are. Even so, the report adds to growing interest in nearby exoplanets and the search for places beyond Earth that might host life.
