Astronomers find surprising ice world in the habitable zone with JWST data
Astronomers, with University of Michigan researchers, find potentially habitable exoplanet LHS 1140 b using JWST data. It may have ice, liquid ocean, or nitrogen-rich atmosphere. Further JWST observations needed for confirmation.
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A team of astronomers, including researchers from the University of Michigan, has discovered a potentially habitable exoplanet named LHS 1140 b using data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and other space telescopes. Located in the habitable zone of its star, this super-Earth is believed to either be covered in ice with a liquid substellar ocean and a cloudy atmosphere or have a nitrogen-rich atmosphere similar to Earth's. The planet's characteristics make it a promising candidate for supporting life beyond our solar system. Further observations with JWST are needed to confirm the presence of nitrogen gas and study its atmosphere in more detail. LHS 1140 b's unique features, including the possibility of a liquid water ocean and a stable climate, make it an exceptional target for future studies on habitability. This discovery marks a significant step in the search for potentially habitable exoplanets and understanding their atmospheric compositions.
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