Scientists say they have detected the first atmosphere surrounding a rocky, Earth-like planet located in the habitable zone of a star beyond our Solar System.

The discovery is being described as the strongest evidence yet that planets with conditions similar to Earth may exist elsewhere in the universe.

Researchers detected helium in the atmosphere of LHS 1140 b, a planet located around 48 light-years from Earth.

Helium cannot support life, but scientists say other gases may also be present in the planet’s atmosphere.

The planet orbits a red dwarf star that is considerably smaller and cooler than the Sun.

Lead researcher Dr Collin Cherubim of Harvard University described the discovery as a major breakthrough, saying it is the first time an atmosphere has been detected on a rocky planet in the habitable zone of another star.

More than 6,000 planets have now been discovered orbiting stars beyond the Solar System. However, LHS 1140 b is particularly significant because its location and atmospheric conditions could help scientists better understand whether life might exist elsewhere.

The discovery brings researchers one step closer to one of the biggest goals in modern science: finding evidence of life beyond Earth.