First atmosphere found on Earth-like planet in habitable zone of distant star

Researchers have found the first atmosphere surrounding an Earth-like, rocky planet orbiting within the habitable zone of a distant star.

The researchers say that their discovery provides the strongest evidence yet that worlds with conditions similar to Earth could exist beyond our solar system.

The gas detected in the atmosphere is helium, which would not be able to support life, but other gases may also be present.

The lead author, Dr Collin Cherubim of Harvard University, described the discovery as "a big deal".