New York State Drinking Testosterone 👌: 1st atmosphere around a rocky planet in the habitable zone

Friday, July 17, 2026

1st atmosphere around a rocky planet in the habitable zone

1st atmosphere at a rocky planet in the habitable zone | SpaceX's Starship test launch aborts at last second | A Soyuz rocket launched with an energy-drink ad on it

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July 17, 2026

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1st atmosphere at a rocky planet in the habitable zone

Happy Friday, space fans!

We made it to the end of another week. Always something to celebrate. And we have some mind-blowing news right off the bat. Yesterday, a study was published showing that astronomers have discovered the first atmosphere on a rocky planet that is also in its star's habitable zone, meaning it's at the right distance from its star for liquid water to form on its surface. This major first is a serious step forward in the hunt for planets we would consider "habitable," and searching for planets where life could live. We have no evidence that aliens are on this far-off world, but the researchers behind this new study think the planet could possibly have liquid water.

In spaceflight news, yesterday's SpaceX Starship launch didn't go to plan. In fact, it didn't go at all as the launch scrubbed at the last moment. While we're not sure exactly went awry, it appears a few of the rocket's engines did not light as planned. The company thinks that they will most likely be trying again next week, so keep your eyes peeled; we'll have an update as soon as Starship is back on schedule. We also are now in Perseid meteor shower season! If you want some expert tips for catching shooting stars in the night sky, check out our coverage and enjoy the stellar spectacular.

Check out what's big in space below:

A MAJOR finding

SpaceX aborted Flight 13 of its giant Starship rocket at the last second on Thursday (July 16). It's unclear when the company will try again.

Let's try this again

Spaceflight

A Soyuz rocket launched with an energy-drink ad on it

This week's ISS astronaut launch used a Soyuz rocket emblazoned with an ad for an energy drink. It's not the first time Russia has put an ad in space — and more may be coming.

A Russian tradition

Skywatching

The Perseid meteor shower is here!

The 2026 Perseid meteor shower is active from tonight and peaks alongside a dramatic total solar eclipse on Aug. 12-13.

How to spot them!

Science & Astronomy

Astronomers discover massive landslides on Pluto

Evidence for landslides down steep crater walls on Pluto have been found in imagery from NASA's New Horizons mission.

This is wild

Are we underestimating the threat of solar storms?

A new study suggests the most extreme solar storms to strike Earth could have greater impacts on satellites, power grids and communications than previously thought.

Scientists think so

Entertainment

Sci-fi rom-com 'Not Alone' looks sweet and hilarious

It's young rocket scientists in love and rowdy alien refugees when this animated adventure launches in 2027.

A bit of fun

Editor's Note

That's it for our space update today!

What did you think of that new study on the Earth-like exoplanet? The planet was discovered 10 years ago and we're just now finding out it has an atmosphere. It certainly makes me think about what we might be finding 10 years from now. But for now, we will be staying tuned to see when SpaceX decides to reschedule Flight 13 for its Starship V3 test flight. While this is SpaceX's third iteration of its Starship vehicle, and the second test flight of Starship V3, this is actually a very critical test. All of the launches up until now have been a testing grounds for this vehicle that the company aims for NASA to use to carry Artemis astronauts to the moon. And there have been quite a few hiccups along the way. So we will be keeping you in the loop and watching closely as Starship V3 gives it another go.

Coming up on Monday, we will be celebrating 50 years on Mars as it will be the 50th anniversary of NASA's Viking 1 lander touching down on the Martian surface. This is a major milestone for a mission that did incredible science while setting the stage for decades of exploration and scientific progress. We will also be looking up as we approach the Perseids meteor shower. It can be tricky to spot shooting stars, or meteors, streaking across the night sky. Sometimes it feels like they only show up the second you look away. But we've got some expert tips and guidelines to help you have the best meteor shower experience possible. And to stay as in the loop as possible, you can now get Space.com right in the palm of your hand with our new app available now on iOS and Android.

Ad astra, per aspera

Chelsea Gohd

Content Manager, Space.com