Scientists have identified a helium-rich atmosphere around rocky exoplanet LHS 1140b, offering valuable insights into atmospheric evolution, planetary habitability, and space research.

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• LHS 1140b is a rocky super-Earth located nearly 49 light-years away in the Cetus constellation, with approximately 5.6 Earth masses and 1.73 Earth radii.
• The exoplanet orbits within the habitable zone of a red dwarf star, where suitable atmospheric conditions may support stable liquid water on its surface.
• Scientists detected escaping helium using the Warm Infrared Echelle Spectrograph mounted on the Magellan Clay Telescope at Las Campanas Observatory in Chile.
• Observations recorded during 2024 revealed a clear helium signal, while 2025 measurements showed no detectable atmospheric escape, indicating changing atmospheric conditions over time.
• Helium detection confirms the presence of an upper atmosphere and suggests heavier volatile compounds, including water vapor, could exist in lower atmospheric layers.
• Researchers estimate LHS 1140b has retained its atmosphere for more than 3.1 billion years, making it an important candidate for astrobiology and planetary evolution studies.
• Another rocky planet, LHS 1140c, receives nearly five times greater stellar radiation, and scientists have not detected any atmosphere surrounding that neighboring world.
• The discovery improves understanding of atmospheric retention, planetary evolution, and long-term habitability, supporting future observations using advanced spac