Researchers have confirmed the existence of a rocky planet named Proxima b orbiting Proxima Centauri, the closest star to our sun, according to a new study. It is the closest exoplanet to us in the universe.
Given the fact that Proxima b is within the habitable zone of its star, meaning liquid water could exist on the surface, it may also be the closest possible home for life outside of our solar system, the researchers said.
Proxima b is a mere 4.2 light-years away from our solar system, which are 92.96 million miles apart.
Proxima b离我们太阳系仅4.2光年远,即相距9296万英里之遥。
Proxima b is in a close orbit of Proxima Centauri: only 5% of the distance between the Earth and the sun. Proxima b has a temperature that is suitable for liquid water to exist on the surface without evaporating.
If there is life on the planet, it would be affected by this radiation.
如果此星球有生命,将会受到辐射影响。
Perhaps one of the biggest questi** includes the history of the star and the planet. How did they form?
也许最大的问题在于这颗星及星球的历史。它们从何而来?
This would indicate whether the plant was rich with water in its early days or started out dry, as well as whether there was any high-energy radiation that could have blasted away an atmosphere during formation of the planet.
这或许能暗示,星球初期是富含水分、还是开始干涸,及行星形成期间高能辐射是不是消逝了。
Many researchers hope that we can actually get an idea of their atmospheric makeup and surface composition, and strive to answer the question of "Are we alone in the universe?"