Tag: Proxima B

HABITABLE TERRESTRIAL EXOPLANET ‘Proxima B’ CONFIRMED AROUND NEAREST STAR!

Artist’s impression of the planet Proxima b orbiting the red dwarf star Proxima Centauri, the closest star to the Solar System. Credit: ESO/M. Kornmesser

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For years, astronomers have been observing Proxima Centauri, hoping to see if this red dwarf has a planet or system of planets around it. As the closest stellar neighbor to our Solar System, a planet here would also be our closest planetary neighbor, which would present unique opportunities for research and exploration.

Gliese_667_Cc_sunset
Gliese_667_Cc_sunset

So there was much excitement when, earlier this month, an unnamed source claimed that the ESO had spotted an Earth-sized planet orbiting within the star’s habitable zone. And after weeks of speculation, with anticipation reaching its boiling point, the ESO has confirmed that they have found a rocky exoplanet around Proxima Centauri – known as Proxima b. Continue reading “HABITABLE TERRESTRIAL EXOPLANET ‘Proxima B’ CONFIRMED AROUND NEAREST STAR!”