Astronomers have discovered another potentially habitable exoplanet. On the rocky world LHS 1140b, signs of an atmosphere and possibly warm oceans have been detected.

What was found

According to Science magazine, the planet's atmosphere periodically releases helium. This indirectly suggests that other volatile substances (such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide) may be retained in the lower layers. If these gases create a greenhouse effect, warm water oceans could exist on the planet's surface.

LHS 1140b is located 49 light-years from Earth and orbits a red dwarf in the constellation Cetus. The planet belongs to the class of super-Earths — rocky worlds similar in size and composition to our planet.

In brief

Astronomers have detected signs of periodic helium release on exoplanet LHS 1140b, which may indicate the presence of an atmosphere and warm oceans. The planet is located 49 light-years from Earth. This discovery complements the recent study of super-Earth GJ 3378b, located just 25 light-years away, which also turned out to be closer to Earth in characteristics than previously thought. Both worlds are considered promising candidates in the search for conditions suitable for life.