Astronomers have made a significant breakthrough in the search for another Earth-like planet. The rocky exoplanet LHS 1140 b, located 48 light-years away from us, has been confirmed to have an atmosphere and resides within its star's habitable zone.

This discovery is particularly exciting because it marks the first time researchers have found an exoplanet meeting all three requirements: a rocky composition, being in the habitable zone, and retaining an atmosphere. The planet was identified through observations taken between 2024 and 2025, revealing helium leaks that suggest its atmosphere has persisted for at least 3 billion years.

However, while LHS 1140 b provides hope, it’s not without challenges. Its atmosphere is different from Earth's, with the upper layer giving way to heavier gases in lower layers. This means we still have a lot to learn about its potential for supporting life as we know it.

Robin Wordsworth, a co-author of the study, notes: 'Twenty years ago we wondered whether other terrestrial-type planets even existed. Now, at least one has been confirmed.' The next step will be using more powerful instruments to fully characterize LHS 1140 b's atmosphere and investigate if it has surface features suitable for habitability.