First Habitable-Zone Rocky Exoplanet with Confirmed Atmosphere Detected

Astronomers have reported the first observational confirmation of an atmosphere around LHS 1140 b, a rocky super-Earth located within its star's habitable zone, fueling excitement about potential extraterrestrial life.

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  1. LHS 1140 b: First Confirmed Atmosphere: LHS 1140 b, located 48 light-years away, is the first rocky exoplanet in a habitable zone confirmed to have an atmosphere, specifically detecting helium, and is 5.6 times Earth's mass with 1.7 times its radius.
  2. TRAPPIST-1e: Multiple Earth-Sized Worlds: TRAPPIST-1e is one of seven Earth-sized planets in its system, with three (e, f, g) located in the habitable zone, and is considered one of the best potentially habitable exoplanets, possibly holding more water than Earth.
  3. Proxima Centauri b: Our Nearest Habitable Neighbor: Proxima Centauri b is the closest known exoplanet at just over four light-years away, with a minimum mass 1.3 times that of Earth and orbiting within its star's habitable zone, though it faces intense radiation from its red dwarf host.

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