Earth-like planet found to have an atmosphere

Scientists find the first atmosphere around a rocky planet outside our solar system that can have water.

Published 16 July 2026 119 words
SCIENCE A1
Earth-like planet found to have an atmosphere

Scientists have found an atmosphere around a planet like Earth. This planet is 49 light years away. It might have liquid water on its surface.

Scientists have found atmospheres before on other types of planets. But this is the first time they have found one on a rocky planet in the part of space where water can exist. This area is called the habitable zone.

This is a very exciting discovery. It is the first confirmed atmosphere on a rocky planet outside our solar system. This planet, called LHS 1140b, is 5.6 times heavier than Earth. It has an atmosphere and temperatures that could allow liquid water.

The planet orbits a star that is smaller and dimmer than our sun. The star releases energy that can be harmful. But the planet's atmosphere helps protect it. Scientists are looking closely at this planet for signs of life.

Vocabulary

atmosphere — The gases around a planet.
exoplanet — A planet that is outside our solar system.
habitable zone — The area around a star where liquid water can exist on a planet.
liquid water — Water that is not ice and not gas.
discovery — Finding something new.

Discussion Questions

  1. What is special about the planet LHS 1140b?
  2. Why is the habitable zone important?
  3. What does the atmosphere of a planet do?

Based on an article from The Guardian.

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