Scientists said they detected promising signs that a planet orbiting a star 49 light-years from Earth could have an atmosphere, which could make it potentially suitable for life.

Researchers described the planet as a "Super Earth." They said it circles its star in the habitable or "Goldilocks zone," which means surface temperatures there are not too hot or too cold for liquid water to exist.

The team detected signs of helium escaping from the planet. They said that suggested the planet may have held onto an atmosphere.

The finding still needed confirmation.