Proxima Centauri is a red dwarf star that is located in the Alpha Centauri star system, which is the closest star system to our Sun. It is about 4.2 light years away from the Sun, which is equivalent to about 24.9 trillion miles.
Proxima Centauri is unique because it is the closest star to our Sun and is also a red dwarf star, which is the most common type of star in our galaxy. It is also known to have a potentially habitable exoplanet orbiting around it, which makes it an exciting target for future exploration.
Proxima Centauri was first observed in 1915 by the Scottish astronomer Robert Innes. However, it was not until 2016 that a team of scientists discovered an Earth-like planet, Proxima b, orbiting around the star. This discovery was made using the radial velocity method, which measures the slight wobble of a star caused by the gravitational pull of an orbiting planet.
No, Proxima Centauri is not visible to the naked eye. It has an apparent magnitude of 11.05, making it too faint to be seen without a telescope. However, it can be observed using a small telescope or binoculars.
While Proxima b, the exoplanet orbiting around Proxima Centauri, is within the habitable zone and has similar characteristics to Earth, it is still uncertain if it could support life. Further research and exploration are needed to determine the planet's composition and potential for habitability. Additionally, Proxima Centauri is a highly active star with frequent flares, which could make it challenging for life to exist on its planet.