Scientists discover a planet twice as big as earth with a thick atmosphere

A thick atmosphere has been detected around a planet that’s twice as big as Earth in a nearby solar system, researchers reported Wednesday.

The so-called super Earth — known as 55 Cancri e — is among the few rocky planets outside our solar system with a significant atmosphere, wrapped a blanket of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.

According to the researchers, the exact amounts are unclear. Earth’s atmosphere is a blend of nitrogen, oxygen, argon and other gases, confirming that the discovery is a promising sign that other such rocky planets with thick atmospheres could exist that may be more hospitable.