Proxima centauri: Closest planet to Solar system found
Researchers have confirmed the existence of a rocky planet, namely Proxima b, which is orbiting Proxima Centauri, after years of research and discovery.
According to a new study, it is the closest star to our sun.
“It’s not only the closest terrestrial planet found, it’s probably the closest planet outside our solar system that will ever be found because there is no star closer to the solar system than this one,” said lead study author Guillem Anglada-Escudé.
Proxima b is said to be a habitable zone of its star, which means water could exist on its surface, and can also be a possible home for life outside our solar system.
The researchers are hoping that it provides an opportunity for possible “robotic exploration in the coming centuries.”
“The good news is that it is so close, It is not only nice for having it in our neighborhood, but it’s a dream come true for astronomers if we think about follow-up observation.” said study author Ansgar Reiners.
Proxima b is a mere 4.2 light-years away from our solar system, or 266,000 times the distance between the Earth and the sun, which are 92.96 million miles apart.
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