For the first time, scientists have found a rocky planet with an atmosphere orbiting in a star’s habitable zone. Researchers from Harvard University say the Earth-like world has conditions similar to those on Earth.
The exoplanet, LHS 1140 b, is 48 light-years from Earth. It orbits a red dwarf star at a distance close enough for water to remain liquid, but far enough away that it would not boil.
Red dwarf stars are tough environments though. Due to their internal high convection energy transfer mode they tend to erupt with massive solar flares, due to the much closer orbit required to be in the habitable zone this becomes a major issue. It could even strip atmospheres. Also, the closer orbit can result in tidal locking with one face always towards the star.