Scientists discover earth-like exoplanet that could have  water on its surface

Findings mark the first direct identification of an atmospheric species for any rocky exoplanet

Planet Earth. While LHS 1140b  is similar to Earth in some ways — such as its overall composition and temperature — it differs in others: for example it is tidally locked, could have far more water, and probably has a very different atmosphere. File picture 

The search for life outside our solar system has taken another twist as researchers revealed they have discovered an atmosphere around an Earth-like planet 49 light years away that could have liquid water on its surface.

Atmospheres have previously been found around gas giant exoplanets as well as “sub-Neptunes”.