Detection of an Atmosphere on a Rocky Exoplanet

Abstract We report the detection of an atmosphere on a rocky exoplanet, GJ 1132 b, which is similar to Earth in terms size and density. The atmospheric transmission spectrum was detected using Hubble WFC3 measurements shows spectral signatures aerosol scattering, HCN, CH 4 low mean molecular weight atmosphere. model loss process conclude that b likely lost original H/He envelope, suggesting we detect has been reestablished. explore possibility H 2 mantle degassing, previously identified as for this planet by theoretical studies, find outgassing from ultra-reduced magma could produce observed In way use exoplanet gain insights into composition terrestrial planet. raises numerous powerfully irradiated super-Earth planets, believed be evaporated cores sub-Neptunes, may, under favorable circumstances, host detectable atmospheres.