DHAKA: Researchers have confirmed the discovery of a planet warm enough to hold liquid water orbiting our nearest star Proxima Centauri.

The study named the planet “Proxima B’ and labeled this as our closest exoplanet in the universe, reports CNN.

Assumption of liquid water on the surface was made as the planet is orbiting the closest star to our son on a habitable zone. Researchers also said that this might be the closest possible place to find life form outside our solar system.

Given the distance of Proxima B, a mere 4.2 light years from Earth (92.96 million miles), scientists hoped for chances of ‘robotic explorations in coming centuries’.  

"The good news is that it is so close," study author Ansgar Reiners said adding "It is not only nice for having it in our neighborhood, but it's a dream come true for astronomers if we think about follow-up observation."

Proxima B is roughly 1.3 times bigger than our sun and orbits it red dwarf star 11.2 days, meaning it is in a very tight orbit to its star, around 5% of the distance between the sun and earth. The reason it still holds an affordable temperature, Proxima Centauri is much cooler and fainter than our sun. This would allow water to stand on the surface of the planet without being evaporated.

Researchers also assume that the planet might host an atmosphere, like earth. The temperature would be between 31-4- degrees Celsius. However, without an atmosphere the temperature could be unsuitable for life to flourish, a chilling -30 to -40 degrees Celsius.

But not everything might be pleasant about the new discovery. Should we consider the distance to its star, it is subjected to radiations like ultraviolet ray and X-rays. The intensity of them 100-400 times than what we have from the sun. Researchers said that if there is life on the planet, it surely would be affected by the radiation.    

"It's not only the closest terrestrial planet found, it's probably the closest planet outside our solar system that will ever be found because there is no star closer to the solar system than this one," said lead study author Guillem Anglada-Escudé.

He later added, "We know that there are terrestrial planets around stars. The excitement is because it's the nearest one, and we expect to characterize it and maybe visit in a couple of centuries."

BDST: 1140 HRS, AUG 25, 2016
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