New research published on July 20, 2026 reports that the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has detected possible carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water vapour signatures in the atmosphere of LHS 1140b — a rocky exoplanet located approximately 48-49 light-years away in Constellation Cetus. LHS 1140b orbits in the habitable zone of its red dwarf host star and has a radius 1.7 times that of Earth. These findings make it one of the most promising exoplanets for potential habitability. However, researchers caution that further observations are needed to confirm an atmosphere and liquid water.
Science & Tech
New Findings on Exoplanet LHS 1140b — JWST Detects CO₂ and Possible Water Vapour; 48 Light-Years Away in Constellation Cetus
Key Points
- New research published on July 20, 2026 reports that the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has detected possible carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water vapour signatures in the atmosphere of LHS 1140b — a rocky exoplanet located approximately 48-49 light-years away in Constellation Cetus
- LHS 1140b orbits in the habitable zone of its red dwarf host star and has a radius 1.7 times that of Earth
- These findings make it one of the most promising exoplanets for potential habitability
- However, researchers caution that further observations are needed to confirm an atmosphere and liquid water
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• LHS 1140b: rocky exoplanet; ~48-49 light-years; Constellation Cetus; habitable zone • JWST findings (July 20, 2026): CO₂ + possible water vapour in atmosphere detected • LHS 1140b: 1.7× Earth radius; host star: red dwarf LHS 1140; one of most promising for life • JWST: NASA+ESA+CSA joint mission; launched Dec 25, 2021; L2 orbit; successor to Hubble
