Scientists detected a possible second planet orbiting red dwarf Proxima Centauri, the closest known star to our galaxy.
New observations suggest the presence of what is described as a “low-mass candidate planet,” approximately half the size of Neptune.
The discovery, published last week in the Journal of Science Advances, was made by an international team from Chile, France, Greece, Italy, Poland, Spain, the UK, and the US.
Researchers hope this find could aid our understanding of the composition of different planets, and how the universe as a whole works.
“The proximity of the planet and its orbit at a relatively great distance from its star means it is one of the best possible chances for direct observations that will enable detailed understanding of another planet,” according to study co-author Hugh Jones, a professor of astrophysics at the University of Hertfordshire.
“In the future,” he continued, “Proxima c might become a possible target for more direct study by the Breakthrough StarShot project, set to be humankind’s first attempt to travel to another star system.”
Jones was also part of the discovery of Earth-like planet Proxima b.
This month’s announcement has been a long time in the making: Initial observations of Proxima were made in March 2000.
“Our continuing observations and improved data processing has allowed us to discern the signal of Proxima c,” Jones said in a statement.
“We look forward to confirming the signal with new facilities and finding out how similar or different from our Solar System planets Proxima c really is,” he added.
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