Beyond our solar system lie countless exoplanets, some of which may harbor untouched paradises waiting to be explored. One such world is LHS 1140 b, a promising candidate for future astro-tourism. First discovered in 2017, this exoplanet sits 41 light-years away from Earth and is considered one of humanity’s best bets for finding liquid water beyond our solar system.
Despite its appeal as a potential beach resort, LHS 1140 b remains far out of human reach. Traveling to this exoplanet would currently take over four decades at the speed of light—technology we haven’t yet achieved. Even if such travel were possible, passengers would either not survive the journey or arrive far too old to enjoy the planet’s rumored oceanfront experiences.
Recent observations using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have shed more light on this intriguing world. With a mass 5.6 times that of Earth and a year lasting only 25 Earth days, LHS 1140 b shows strong evidence of being an ocean world. Data also suggests the presence of a tentative nitrogen atmosphere, pointing toward conditions that may support liquid water, possibly with ocean temperatures around 20°C (68°F).
While these findings are exciting, further observations are required to confirm the planet’s true nature. If confirmed, LHS 1140 b could offer insights into habitable environments beyond Earth—and even future vacation spots for interstellar travelers. For now, though, it remains a distant dream, orbiting quietly in the cosmos as science works to bring such worlds within reach.