Proxima B likely to have Water and Support Alien Life

May 17, 2017

An Earth Like Planet called Proxima B orbiting the closest neighboring Star, Proxima Centauri, which is about 4.2 light years away is expected to have liquid water and the potential to support alien life. The planet Proxima B was discovered in the last year. Earlier studies have concluded that the planet is present in the habitable zone of its star Proxima Centauri so much so that it receives the right amount of light to sustain liquid water on its surface. The planet is of similar size to the Earth and is expected to have an ‘Earth-like’ atmosphere.
Scientists from the University of Exeter in the UK have undertaken new research to explore the potential climate of the planet. Scientists simulated the climate of Proxima B. In contrast to Earth, the light from Proxima B were found to be mostly in the infra-red. They simulated a simpler atmosphere with traces of carbon dioxide as well as variations of the planets orbit. The results from the simulation showed that Proxima B could have the potential to be habitable and lie in a remarkably stable climate regime. However, more studies need to be carried out to ascertain whether they can sustain any form of life. The study has been published in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics.