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Helium Escape Detected on Habitable-Zone Exoplanet LHS 1140 b

8/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Chile astronomers using the Magellan Clay Telescope detected helium escaping from LHS 1140 b, confirming an atmosphere.
A 2025 transit showed no helium, indicating the signal varies with the star’s high-energy output.
Models estimate the helium outflow loses 200–420 tonnes per second.
The planet orbits a star in Cetus, 48 light-years away in the habitable zone.
James Webb will search its atmosphere for carbon dioxide and other gases.

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Story summary

Chile astronomers using the Magellan Clay Telescope detected helium escaping from LHS 1140 b, confirming an atmosphere.
A 2025 transit showed no helium, indicating the signal varies with the star’s high-energy output.
Models estimate the helium outflow loses 200–420 tonnes per second.
The planet orbits a star in Cetus, 48 light-years away in the habitable zone.
James Webb will search its atmosphere for carbon dioxide and other gases.