Scientists have discovered Proxima Centauri b, a planet resembling Earth, located five light-years from our Sun. This finding marks a significant advancement in astrobiology.
Proxima Centauri b orbits Proxima Centauri, the closest star to the Sun, situated in the constellation Centaurus. The discovery highlights the potential existence of rocky planets similar to Earth in proximity to our solar system.
Studies published in the journals Nature and Astronomy & Astrophysics provide insights into its habitable zone, size, and possible living conditions. Proxima Centauri b is classified as a rocky planet, with an estimated mass about 1.17 times that of Earth, suggesting it could maintain a solid surface.
Crucially, it resides within the habitable zone of Proxima Centauri, indicating that it may theoretically support liquid water—an essential prerequisite for life as we know it.
However, conditions on Proxima Centauri b are far from ideal. Proxima Centauri is a red dwarf star, emitting significant amounts of ultraviolet and X-ray radiation, which can be harmful to life. Given that Proxima Centauri b orbits very close to its star (approximately 0.05 astronomical units), it faces considerable exposure to this radiation, potentially damaging its atmosphere or water.
It remains uncertain whether Proxima Centauri b possesses an atmosphere. If it does, such an atmosphere could shield the planet from harmful radiation, allowing for the presence of water and potential life.
Scientists are utilizing powerful instruments like the James Webb Space Telescope and the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) to gather more information about the planet’s atmospheric composition and possible biosignatures.
Proxima Centauri b was discovered using the radial velocity method, which detects small changes in a star's movement due to the gravitational influence of a planet. This technique is commonly employed to identify exoplanets within our galaxy.
Researchers are also developing advanced technologies aimed at launching nanosondes toward Proxima Centauri, facilitating communication back to Earth. Initiatives like the Breakthrough Starshot project aim to send fast probes capable of reaching neighboring stars within decades.