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Analysis and Space

Proxima b: 7 big questions about the new planet next door

By Jacob Aron

25 August 2016

illustration of a planet in silhouette with a star behind

Proxima b: a discovery for the history books

ESO/L.Calçada/Nick Risinger (skysurvey.org)

It’s a discovery for the history books. With its location in our nearest star system and its potential to host life, Proxima b is the most exciting exoplanet found so far. You probably have questions, and we have answers.

Are there aliens on Proxima b?

At the moment, no one can tell. Proxima b is probably similar to Earth in some ways, in mass and temperature, for example, which ups the chance of finding life there. But it is also very…

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