Harvard Researchers Discover Potentially Habitable Exoplanet with Atmosphere
Researchers from Harvard University have discovered the first rocky exoplanet, LHS 1140 b, located 48 light-years away, within its star's habitable zone that also possesses an atmosphere. This finding is significant because an atmosphere is considered crucial for supporting life…
Cleveland Akron, OH, July 22, 2026 —
Harvard University scientists have identified a significant exoplanet, designated LHS 1140 b, marking the first discovery of a rocky planet within its star’s habitable zone that also possesses an atmosphere. The exoplanet is situated approximately 48 light-years from Earth.
The presence of an atmosphere is considered a critical component for the potential development and sustenance of life as currently understood. This detection represents a key milestone, as it is the inaugural instance of an atmosphere being identified on a rocky planet located within the habitable zone of its star.
The habitable zone is the region around a star where conditions might be suitable for liquid water to exist on a planet’s surface. The combination of a rocky composition, location within the habitable zone, and the confirmed presence of an atmosphere makes LHS 1140 b a compelling subject for further astronomical research.
Researchers from Harvard University made the discovery. Further details regarding the methods used for detection and the characteristics of the atmosphere were not provided in the summary.
Story summarized from the original created by Justin Boggs on www.news5cleveland.com, see more information here.
